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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

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http://archive.org/details/clutheOOevan 


* 221936 

*:. *".i*5 

H  T  M 

AND 

A  LITURGY. 

FOR  THE   USE  OF 

EVANGELICAL  LUTHER  AX  CHURCHES, 
TO  WHICH  ARE  ADDED 

PRAYERS 

FOR  FAMILIES  XYZ)  INDIVIDUALS 


PrBLTSnED    BT  ORDER 

OF   THE   EVANGELICAL   LCTHERAX   STXOD 

OF   THE    STATE    OF   XEW-TOBK. 

_ 


a  I -will  pray  with  the  spirit,  and  I  will  pray  with  the  un- 
derstanding also.  I ivill  sing  with  the  spirit,  and  J  will 
sing  with  the  understanding  a/so."        1  Cor.  xiv.  15. 

GERMANTOWN  : 
PRINTED    BT    M.    BILLMEYEB. 

IW7 


DISTRICT  OF  PEJ\lYSVLl\iJ\%Ll,  To  wit: 
******    BE  IT  REMEMBERED,  That  on  the  seventh 

£L.  S.|  day  of  July,  in  the  thirty  ninth  year  of  the  lnde- 
******  pendence  of  the  United  States  of  America,  A.  D. 
1814,  George  &  Daniel  Billmeyeu,  of  the  said  District, 
have  deposited  in  this  office  the  Title  of  a  Book  the  right 
whereot  they  claim  as  Proprietors,  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit ; 

"  JL  Collection  of  Hymns,  and  a  Liturgy,  for  the  use  of 
Evangelical  Lutheran   Churches  >•   to  iv/uch  are  added 
Prayers  for  Families  and  Individuals:    Published  by  or- 
der of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Synod  of  the  State  of 
jYiriv-York."   "  I  will  pray  with  the,  spirit,  and  Iwilf pray 
•with  the  wider  standing  also.     Iivill  sing  with  t/ie  spirit, 
arid  livid  sing  -with  the  understanding  also."  1  Cor.  \  1  v .  1 5. 
In  conformity  to  the  Act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United 
States,  intituled, "  An  Act  for  the  encouragement  of  Learn- 
ing, by  securing  the  copies  of  Maps,  Charts  and  Books,  to 
the  Authors  and  Proprietors  of  such  copies  during  the 
times  therein  mentioned." — And  also  to  the  Act,  entitled, 
"An  Act  supplementary  to  an  Act,  entitled  "An  Act  for 
the  Encouragement  of  Learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of 
Maps,  Charts,  and  Books,  to  the  Authors  and  Proprietors 
of  such  copies  during  the  times  therein  mentioned, "'and  ex- 
tending the  benefits  thereof  to  the  Arts  of  designing,  en- 
graving, and  etching  historical  and  other  prints." 

D.  CALDWELL, 
Clerk  of  the  District  of Ptmnsylvania. 


PREFACE. 

_1_  HE  singing  of  hymns  is  justly  considered  a  de- 
j  ightful  and  important  part  of  public  worship.  It  was  in  use 
oven  among  the  ancient  heathens.  Moses  introduced  it, 
by  divine  command,  into  his  religious  institution;  and  Da- 
vid raised  it  to  high  perfection  by  his  poetical  talents  and 
musical  skill.  Our  blessed  Saviour  has  recommended  this 
pious  exercise  to  his  followers  by  his  own  practice  ;  and 
St.  Paul  exhorts  us  to  "teach  and  admonish  one  another 
in  spiritual  songs,  singing  with  grace  in  our  hearts  to  the 
Lord."  No  act  of  social  religion  is  either  more  pleasing 
in  itself,  or  more  happily  adapted  to  cherish  the  love  of 
God  and  man,  than  that  which  is  enforced  by  these  high 
authorities. 

The  Lutheran  church  in  Germany  is  distinguished  for 
its  attachment  to  sacred  music,  and  is  possessed  of,  per- 
haps, the  best  and  most  numerous  collections  of  hymns  ex- 
tant in  the  Christian  world.  From  this  source,  our  con- 
gregations in  the  United  States  have  derived  abundant  sup- 
plies. The  prevalence  of  the  English  language, however, 
makes  it  necessary  for  many  members  of  our  communion 
to  conduct  their  public  worship,  altogether,  or  in  part,  in 
that  language,  and  of  course  to  provide  for  them  a  compi- 
lation of  English  hymns.  This  has  indeed  been  already 
attempted  by  several  individuals.  But  as  the  selections, 
published  by  them,  evidently  admit  of  great  improvement, 
another  was  ordered  to  be  prepared  by  a  committee  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose  by  the  Lutheran  Synod  of  the 
State  of  New-York,  convened  at  Khinebeckin  September, 
A.  1).  1812;  and,  in  compliance  with  this  order,  the  fol- 
lowing work  is  printed.  It  is  not  pretended  to  be  as  per- 
fect as  could  be  wished,  nor  are  all  its  parts  of  equal  value. 
But  the  materials,  of  which  it  is  composed,  have  been  cho- 
■  n  v  itli  no  little  care  and  consideration  ;  a  large  number 
of  Hymn-books  of  various  denominations  has  been  consult- 
ed ;  and  it  is  hoped,  that  it  will  receive  hi  a  good  degree 
the  approbation  of  those  for  whom  it  is  intended,  and  be- 
come a  means  of  promoting  their  edification. 

The  same  committee  was  charged  with  the  preparation 
of  a  new  and  enlarged  liturgy  for  our  churches.    Forms 


PREFACE. 

of  prayer,  with  necessary  directions  and  addresses  to  con- 
gregations, are,  accordingly,  presented  in  this  volume> 
proper  to  be  employed  in  divine  service  generally,  in  the 
administration  of  the  sacraments,  and  in  the  celebration  of 
other  solemn  rites  customary  amongst  us.  But  the  use  of 
these  forms  is  left  entirely  to  the  discretion  of  congrega- 
tions and  ministers,  the  Synod  having  no  design  to  make 
them  binding  upon  any  in  connection  with  us,  but  judging 
that  the  leaders  of  the  devotions  of  their  brethren  should 
be  at  perfect  liberty  to  address  the  throne  of  grace  in  their 
own  words.  It  will,  perhaps,  be  found  most  expedient, 
that  such  forms  and  the  free  or  precomposed  prayers  of 
ministers  should  be  used  alternately.  At  all  events,  the 
Liturgy  will,  we  trust,  prove  serviceable  to  young  clergy- 
men, to  vacant  churches,  and  to  persons  remote  from 
Christian  temples  and  desiring  to  unite  together  in  the 
adoration  of  the  Most  High. 

Along  with  devotional  exercises  for  congregations,  it  has 
been  thought  proper  to  publish  others  for  families  and  in- 
dividuals, adapted  to  a  variety  of  situations,  relations,  and 
characters.  Some  of  these,  as  well  as  several  parts  of  the 
Liturgy,  have  been  translated  from  the  German  ;  others 
have  been  token  from  English  authors  and  collections  ;  and 
a  considerable  degree  of  freedom  has  been  used  in  select- 
ing and  framing  them.  We  commend  this  part  of  the 
work  particularly  to  the  attention  of  our  brethren  in  their 
domestic  and  private  worship  ;  believing,  that  it  breathes 
a  spirit  of  pure  Christian  piety  and  love  ;  ami  hoping,  that 
it  will  assist  in  instructing  the  young  and  uninformed  how 
to  pray,  in  comforting  the  distressed,  in  awakening  a  sense 
of  religion  in  the  careless,  and  in  quickening  the  faith,  hope, 
and  charity  of  upright  believers  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

To  the  whole  ot  this  book,  as  far  as  it  agrees  with  his 

truth  in  scripture,  may  it  please  Almighty  God  to  give  his 

blessing,  and  make  it  instrumental  in  glorifying  his  name. 

FREDERICK  If.  QUTTMJJT,  D.J). 

President  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Synod  of 

the  State  of  Artnv- York. 

A UG USTUS  JVA CKERHJGEX. 
Secretary,  p.  t. 


A  COLLECTION 

or 

HYMNS 

fok 
EVANGELICAL  LUTHERAN  CHURCHES. 


ORDER  AJfD  SUBJECTS  OF  THE  HTMYS 

Page. 

I.  PRAISE  and  Thanksgiving,  1 

II.  Character  and  Perfections  of  G#d,    -  -19 

III.  Works  of  God  in  nature,  37 

IV.  Divine  Providence  and  Government,  -         44 

V.  Mission  and  Nativity  of  Christ,          -  -     58 

VI.  Office  and  Mediation  of  Christ,  65 

VII.  Example  of  Christ,             -  79 

VIII.  Sufferings  and  Death  of  Christ,             -  82 

IX.  Resurrection  and  Glory  of  Christ,      -  -94 

X.  Kingdom  and  Church  of  Christ,            -  105 

XI.  The  Influence  of  God's  Holy  Spirit,  -        111 

XII.  The  Scriptures,            -            -            -  118 

XIII.  Supplication  for  the  divine  favour  and  assistance,l  24 

XIV.  The  Danger  and  Misery  of  Sin,  -  133 

XV.  Repentance  and  Conversion,        -  -  141 

XVI.  The  Joy  and  Happiness  of  time  Christians,  151 

XVII.  The  Christian  Character  and  Life,  in  general,  160 

XVIII.  Faith,  ....  170 

XIX.  Duties  of  Piety,      -  -  -  -  176 

XX.  Personal  Duties,  -  -  187 

XXI.  Social  Duties,        -  -  -  -  193 

XXII.  Public  Worship,  -  20ft 

XXIII.  Baptism, 217 

XXIV.  The  Lord's  Supper,  219 

XXV.  Particular  Occasions  and  Circumstances,  225 

1.  Morning)  -  225 

2.  Evening,    -----      228 
8.  JVb-Wi        -  -  -  -  230 

4.  Public  and  National  Blessings  and  Afflictions,  232 

5.  For  a  Congregation,  -  241 

6.  -Sickness  and  Recovery,  -  -  243 

7.  On  the  Death  of  Relatives  or  Friends,       -         850 
&,  For  the  Young  and  Old,  -  -  854 

XX\ T.  The  Troubles  of  Life,        -  -  -  857 

XXVlLDeatb,  -  260 

XXVIll.Uesurrection,        -  279 

XXIX.  Judgment  and  End  of  fee  World,  -  888 

XXX.  Heaven,     -----  887 


I. 

PRAISE  AND  THANKSGIVING. 


HYMN  1.  i.  m. 

J.  "DEFORE  Jehovah's  awful  throne, 
-*-*  Ye  nations  bow  with  sacred  joy  : 
Know  that  the  Lord  is  God  alone ; 
He  can  create,  and  he  destroy. 

2.  His  sov'reign  powV,  without  our  aid, 

.Made  us  of  clay,  and  form'd  us  men  ; 
And,  when  like  wand'ring  sheep  we  stray 'd. 
He  brought  us  to  his  fold  again. 

3.  We  are  his  people,  we  his  care, 

Our  souls  and  all  our  mortal  frame: 
What  lasting  honours  shall  we  rear, 
Almighty  .Maker,  to  thy  name  ? 
\.  We'll  crowd  thy  gates  with  thankful  song- 
High  as  the  heav'ns  our  voices  raise  ; 
And  earth  w  ith  her  ten  thousand  tongues, 
Shall  fill  thy  courts  with  sounding  praise 
5.  Wide  as  the  world  is  thy  command  ; 
Vast  as  eternity  thy  love; 
Firm  as  a  rock  thy  truth  must  stand, 
When  rolling  years  shall  cease  to  mcv 

HYMN  2.  l.  m 

1.  A/fY  God,  my  Life,  thy  various  prais< 
-L'A   Shall  fill  the  remnant  of  my  days; 
Thy  grace  employ  my  thankful  tongue, 
Till  death  improve  the  grateful  song. 
The  wings  of  ev'ry  hour  shall  bear 
Some  thankful  tribute  to  thine  ear; 
And  ev'ry  setting  sun  shall 
New  works  of  dutv  done  for  th^f 
A     ' 


PRAISE  AND 

5.  But  who  can  speak  thy  wondrous  deeds  ? 
Thy  greatness  all  our  thoughts  exceeds, 
Vast  and  unsearchable  thy  ways, 
Vast  and  unceasing  be  thy  praise. 

4.  Let  endless  honours  crown  thy  head  ; 
Let  ev'ry  age  thy  praises  spread; 
While  we  with  cheerful  songs  approve 
The  condescension  of  thy  love. 

HYMN  3    cm. 

1.  VE  humble  souls  approach  your  God 

-I    With  songs  of  sacred  praise  ; 
For  he  is  good,  immensely  good, 
And  kind  are  all  his  ways. 

2.  All  nature  owns  his  guardian  care; 

In  him  we  live  and  move: 

But  nobler  benefits  declare 

The  wonders  of  his  love. 

5.  He  gave  his  Son,  his  only  Son, 

To  ransom  rebel  worms. 
'Tis  here  he  makes  his  goodness  know  n 
In  its  diviner  forms. 

4.  To  this  dear  refuge,  Lord,  we  come  ; 

'Tis  here  our  hope  relies  ; 
A  safe  defence,  a  peaceful  home, 
When  storms  of  trouble  rise. 

5.  Thine  eye  beholds  with  kind  regard 

The  souls  who  trust  in  thee; 
Their  humble  hope  thou  wilt  reward 
With  bliss  divinely  free. 

6.  Great  God,  to  thy  almighty  love 

"What  honours  shall  we  raise  f 
Not  all  the  raptur'd  songs  above 
Can  render  equal  praise. 

HYMN  4    c  u. 

I.  T   OUT),  when  our  raptur'd  thought  SUTTfe^  - 
-"-*  Creation's  beauties  o'er; 

All  nature  joins  to  teach  tin   pi 
And  bids  our  souls  adore. 


THANKSGIVIXC. 
8.  Where'er  we  turn  our  gazing  eyes, 
Thy  radiant  footsteps  shine; 
Ten  thousand  pleasing  wonders  rise, 
And  speak  their  source  divine. 
3.  The  living  trihes  of  countless  forms 
In  earth  and  sea  and  uir. 
The  meanest  flies,  the  smallest  worms, 
Almighty  pow'r  declare. 
\.  Thy  wisdom,  pow'r.  and  goodness,  Lord, 
In  all  thy  works  appear: 
And,  O  !  let  man  thy  praise  record, 
Man,  thy  distinguished  care  ! 
5.  From  thee  the  breath  of  life  he  drew  ; 
That  breath  thy  pow'r  maintains; 
Thy  lender  mercy,  ever  new, 
His  brittle  frame  sustains. 

0.  Yet  nobler  favours  claim  his  praise, 

Of  reason's  light  possess'd, 
By  revelation's  brightest  rays 

Still  more  divinely  bless'd. 
7.  On  us  thy  providence  has  shone 

A\  ith  gentle,  smiling  rays; 
O  may  our  lips  and  lives  make  known 

Thy  goodness  and  thy   praise  ! 

HYMN  5    l.  m. 

1.  f^IYE  to  our  God  immortal  praise  ! 

^J  -Mercy  and  truth  are  all  his  waj  s. 
Wonders  of  grace  to  God  belong: 
Repeat  his  mercies  in  your  song. 

2.  Give  to  the  Lord  of  lords  renown, 
The  King  of  kings  with  glory  crown. 
liis  mercies  ever  shall  endure, 

A\  hen  lords  and  kings  are  known  no  more. 

3.  He  built  the  earth,  he  spread  the  sky, 
And  fi.v'd  the  starry  lights  on  high. 
Wonders  of  grace  to  God  belong: 
Hepea'  his  mercies  in  your  song. 

4.  He  fills  the  sun  with  morning  light ; 
He  bids  the  moon  direct  the  night 


PRAISE  AND 

His  mercies  ever  shall  endure, 

When  suns  and  moons  shall  shine  no  more. 

5.  He  sent  his  Son  with  pow'r  to  save 
From  guilt,  and  darkness,  and  the  grave. 
Wonders  of  grace  to  God  belong : 
Repeat  his  mercies  in  your  song. 

6.  Through  this  vain  world  he  guides  our  feet, 
And  leads  us  to  his  heav'nly  seat. 

His  mercies  ever  shall  endure, 

When  this  vain  world  shall  be  no  more. 

HYMN  6    i    m 

1.  ~p»ROM  all  that  dwell  below  the  skies, 
A     Let  the  Creator's  praise  arise  ; 
Let  the  Redeemer's  name  be  sung 
Through  ev'ry  land,  by  ev'ry  tongue. 

2.  Eternal  are  thy  mercies.  Lord, 
Eternal  truth  attends  thy  word. 

Thy  praise  shall  sound  from  shore  to  shore, 
Till  suns  shall  rise  and  set  no  more. 

HYMN  7    v.  m. 

1.  T'LL  praise  my  Maker,  whilst  I've  breath; 
A  And  when  my  voice  is  lost  in  death, 

Praise  shall  employ  my  nobler  pow'rs. 
My  days  of  praise  shall  ne'er  be  past 
Whilst  life  and  thought  and  being  last, 

Or  immortality  endures. 

'2.  Happy  the  man,  whose  hopes  rely 
On  Israel's  God,  who  made  the  sky, 

And  earth,  and  seas,  with  all  their  train. 
His  truth  for  ever  stands  secure  ; 
He  saves  th'  oppress'd,  lie  feeds  the  poor; 
And  none  shall  find  his  promise  vain. 
J.  The  Lord  pours  eyesight  on  the  blind; 
The  Lord  supports  the  fainting  mind  ; 
lie  sends  the  lab 'ring  conscience  peace  ; 

He  helps  the  stranger  in  distress, 
The  widow  and  the  fatherh 

And  grunts  the  pris'ner  sweet  release. 


THANKSGIVING. 

-f.  I  II  praise  him,  while  lie  lends  me  breath ; 
And,  when  my  voice  is  lost  in  death, 

Praise  shall  employ  my  nobler  pow'rs. 
\h  davs  of  praise  shall  ne'er  be  past, 
Whilst  life  and  thought  and  being  last, 
Or  immortality  endures. 

HYMN  8.  p.  m. 

1.  f\  PRAISE  ye  the  Lord !  prepare  a  new  song; 
^J  And  let  all  his  saints  in  full  concert  join  : 
With  voices  united  the  anthem  prolong, 

And  shew  forth  his  praises  with  music  divine. 

2.  Let  praise  to  the  Lord,  who  made  us,  ascend ; 

Let  each  grateful  heart  be  glad  in  its  king. 
The  God,  whom  Ave  worship,  our  songs  will  attend, 
And  view  with  complacence  the  oft* 'ring  we  bring. 

3.  Be  joyful,  ye  saints,  sustain'd  by  his  might, 

And  let  your  glad  songs  awake  with  each  morn : 
For  those  who  obey  him,  are  still  his  delight; 
His  hand  with  salvation  the  meek  will  adorn. 

4.  Then  praise  ye  the  Lord  !  prepare  a  glad  song; 

And  let  all  his  saints  in  full  concert  join  : 
With  voices  united  the  anthem  prolong, 
And  shew  forth  his  praises  with  music  divine. 

HYMN  9   p.  m. 

1.  nPO  your  Creator  God, 

-*-    Your  great  Preserver,  raise, 
Ye  creatures  of  his  hand, 
Your  highest  notes  of  praise. 

Let  ev'ry  voice 
Proclaim  his  pow'r, 
His  name  adore, 
And  lqnd  rejoice. 
l2.  Thou  source  of  light  and  heat, 
Bright  sov'reign  of  the  day, 
Dispensing  blessings  round, 
With  all  diffusive  ray  ; 
From  morn  to  night, 
With  ev'ry  beam, 
Record  his  name, 

Who  made  thee  bright. 
A  2 


PRAISE  AM) 

3.  Fair  regent  of  the  night, 

With  all  thy  starry  train, 

Which  rise  in  silent  hosts, 

To  gild  the  azure  plain; 

With  countless  rays 
Declare  his  name, 
Prolong  the  theme, 

Reflect  his  praise. 

4.  Let  all  the  creatures  join 

To  celebrate  his  name, 

And  all  their  various  pow'rs 

Assist  th'  exalted  theme. 

Let  nature  raise 
From  ev'ry  tongue 
A  gen'ral  song 

Of  grateful  praise. 

5.  But  oh  !  from  human  tongues 

Should  nobler  praises  flow  ; 
And  ev'ry  thankful  heart 
With  warm  devotion  glow. 

Your  voices  raise, 
Ye  highly  blest 
Above  the  rest; 
Declare  his  praise. 

HYMN  10.  p.  m. 

1.  r*  LORY  be  to  God  on  high, 

^^  God,  whose  glory  fills  the  sky  | 
Peace  on  earth  to  man  forgiv'n, 
Man,  the  well-belov'd  of  licav'n. 
Glory  be  to  God  on  high, 
God,  whose  glory  fills  the  sky. 
%  Favour'd  mortals,  raise  the  song; 
Endless  thanks  to  God  belong; 
Hearts  overflowing  with  his  praise, 
Join  the  hymns  your  voices  raise : 

Glory  be  &c 

>.  Call  the  tribes  of  beings  round, 
From  creation's  utmost  bound  ; 
Where  the  Godhead  shines  confess'd, 
There  be  solemn  praise  addressed  : 

Glory  be  &c 


THANKSGIVING. 

i.  Mark  the  wonders  of  his  hand  ! 
Pow'r,  no  empire  can  withstand  ; 
Wisdom,  angels'  glorious  theme  ; 
Goodness,  one  eternal  stream  : 

Glory  be  kc. 

I  .ful  Being  !  from  thy  throne 
Send  thy  promis'd  blessings  down. 
Let  thy 'light,  thy  troth,  thy  peace, 
Bid  our  raging  passions  cease  : 

Glory  be  k<  . 

HYMN  11. 

J.  pOME,  sound  Ids  praise  abroad. 
^   And  hymns  of  glory  sing  ! 
Jehovah  is  the  sov'reign  God, 
The  universal  King. 
J.  He  form'd  the  deeps  unknown  ; 
He  gave  the  seas  their  bound  ; 
The  wat'ry  worlds  are  all  his  own, 
And  all  the  solid  ground. 
\  Come,  worship  at  his  throne  ; 
Come,  bow  before  the  Lord. 
We  are  his  works  and  not  our  own . 
He  form'd  us  by  his  word. 
4.  To  day  attend  his  voice, 

Nor  dare  provoke  his  rod  ; 
Come,  like  the  people  of  his  choice, 
And  own  your  gracious  God  ! 

fiYMN  12    p  m. 

L  TTOLY,  holy,  holy  Lord  ! 

•*■*■  Be  thy  glorious  name  ador'd. 

Lord,  thy  mercies  never  fail: 

Hail,  celestial  Goodness,  hail. 
J.  Though  unworthy,  Lord,  thine  ear 

Deign  our  humble  songs  to  hear. 

Purer  praise  we  hope  to  bring, 

When  around  thy  throne  we  sing. 
3.  There  no  tongue  shall  silent  1" 

All  shall  join  in  harmony  ; 


PRAISE  AND 

That  through  heav'n's  capacious  round 
Praise  to  thee  may  ever  sound. 
4.  Lord,  thy  mercies  never  fail: 
Hail,  celestial  Goodness,  hail ! 
Holy,  holy,  holy  Lord  ! 
Be  thy  glorious  name  ador'd. 

HYMN  13    p.  m. 

1.  '11EGIN,  my  soul,  <h'  exalted  lay; 
*~*  Let  each  enraptur'd  thought  obey, 

And  praise  th'  almighty  name. 
Let  heav'n  and  earth,  and  seas  and  skies, 
In  one  harmonious  concert  rise, 

To  swell  the  glorious  theme. 

2.  Ye  angels,  catch  the  joyful  sound,' 
While  all  th'  adoring  throngs  around 

His  wondrous  mercy  sing. 
Let  all  who  fdl  the  realms  above, 
Awake  the  tuneful  soul  of  love, 

And  touch  the  sweetest  string. 
;:.  Thou  heav'n  of  heav'ns,  his  vast  abode, 
Ye  clouds,  proclaim  your  Maker,  God; 

Ye  thunders,  speak  his  pow'r. 
J  .o  !  on  the  lightning's  gleamy  wing, 
In  triumph  rifles  th'  eternal  King; 

Th'  astonish 'd  worlds  adore. 
I.  Ye  deeps,  whose  roaring  billows  rise 
To  join  the  thunders  of  the  skies, 

Praise  him  Avho  bids  you  roll. 
His  praise  in  softer  notes  declare, 
Each  whisp'ring  breeze  of  yielding  air, 

And  breathe  it  to  the  soul. 
.>.  Wake,  all  ye  feather'd  throngs,  and  sing ; 
Ye  cheerful  warblers  of  the  spring, 

Harmonious  anthems  raise 
To  him,  who  shapM  your  finer  mould, 
"Who  tipp'd  your  glitt'ring  wings  with  gold. 

And  tuu'd  your  voice  to  praise. 
0.  Let  man,  by  nobler  passions  sway'd, 
The  feeling  heart,  (he  judging  head. 

In  heav'nly  praise  employ ; 


THANKSGIVING. 

Spread  the  Creator's  name  around, 
Till  heav'ns  extended  arch  rebound 
The  gen'ral  burst  of  joy. 

HYMN  14.  c  m. 

1.  TNDULGENT  Father  !  how  divine, 
A  How  bright  thy  bounties  are  ! 
Through  nature's  ample  round  they  shine. 

Thy  goodness  to  declare. 

2.  But  in  the  nobler  work  of  grace, 

What  sweeter  mercy  smiles 
In  my  benign  Redeemer's  face, 
And  ev'ry  fear  beguiles! 

3.  Such  wonders,  Lord,  while  I  survey, 

To  thee  my  thanks  shall  rise, 
When  morning  ushers  in  the  day, 
Or  ev'ning  veils  the  skies. 

4.  When  glimm'ring  life  resigns  its  flame, 

Thy  praise  shall  tune  my  breath. 
The  sweet  remembrance  of  thy  name 
Shall  gild  the  shades  of  death. 

5.  But,  oh!  how  blest  my  song  shall  rise. 

When  free'd  from  feeble  clay, 
And  all  thy  glories  meet  mine  eyes 
In  one  eternal  day. 
G.  Not  seraphs,  who  surround  thy  name 
Through  yon  ethereal  plains, 
Shall  glow  with  a  diviner  flame, 
Or  raise  sublimer  strains. 

HYMN  15.  p.  m. 

1.  f^  LORY  be  to  God  on  high, 

*J  God,  whose  glory  fills  the  sky  ! 

Lift  your  voice,  ye  people  all, 

Praise  the  God,  on  whom  ye  call. 
-I.  God,  bis  sov'reign  sway  maintains; 

King  o'er  all  the  earth  he  reigns. 

All  to  him  lift  up  their  eye  ; 

He  does  ev'ry  want  supply. 
3.  Sons  of  earth,  the  triumph  join, 

Praise  him  with  the  host  divine. 


10  PRAISE  AND 

Emulate  the  hcav'nly  pow'rs  ; 
Their  all-gracious  God  is  ours. 

4.  Happy,  who  his  laws  obey  ! 
Them  he  rules  with  mildest  sway. 
Pure  and  holy  hearts  alone 

He  hath  chosen  for  his  own. 

5.  Him,  whose  joy  is  to  restore, 
Him  let  all  our  hearts  adore  ; 
Earth  and  heav'n  repeat  the  cry, 
Glory  he  to  God  on  high ! 

HYMN  16.  l  m. 

1.  TTIGH  in  the  heav'ns,  eternal  God  ! 
JLl  Thy  goodness  in  lull  glory  shines. 
Thy  truth  shall  break  through  ev'ry  cloud, 

That  veils  and  darkens  thy  designs. 

2.  For  ever  firm  thy  justice  stands, 

As  mountains  their  foundations  keep. 
AVise  are  the  wonders  of  thy  hands  ; 
Thy  judgments  are  a  mighty  deep. 

3.  Thy  providence  is  kind  and  large  ; 

Both  man  and  beast  thy  bounty  share  j 
The  whole  creation  is  thy  charge  ; 
But  saints  are  thy  peculiar  care. 

4.  Mv  God  !  how  excellent  thy  grace, 

Whence  all  our  hope  and  comfort  springs 
The  sons  of  Adam  in  distress. 
Fly  to  the  shadow  of  thy  wings. 

5.  From  the  provisions  of  thy  house, 

We  shall  be  fed  with  sweet  repast, 
There  mercy  like  a  river  flows, 
And  brings  salvation  to  our  taste. 
f>.  Life,  like  a  fountain  rich  and  free, 

Springs  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord  ; 
And  in  his  light  our  souls  shall  see 
The  glories  promis'd  in  his  word. 


L 


HYMN  17    c   m. 

ONG  ;is  1  live,  I'll  Mess  thy  name, 
tiod  of  eternal  love! 


THANKSGIVING.  11 

My  work  and  joy  shall  be  the  same, 
In  the  bright  world  above. 

2.  Great  is  the  Lord,  his  pow'r  unknown, 

And  let  his  praise  be  Great: 
I'll  sing  the  honours  of  thy  throne, 
Thy  works  of  grace  repeat. 

3.  Thy  grace  shall  dwell  upon  my  tongue, 

And  while  my  lips  rejoice, 
The  men  that  hear  my  sacred  song 
Shall  join  their  cheerful  voice. 

4.  Fathers  to  sons  shall  teach  thy  name, 

And  children  learn  thy  ways ; 
Ages  to  come  thy  truth  proclaim, 

"And  nations  sound  thy  praise. 
).  Thv  glorious  deeds  of  ancient  date, 

Shall  through  the  world  be  known  : 
Thine  arm  of  pow'r,  thy  heav'nly  state, 

With  public  splendour  shown. 
6.  The  world  is  manag'd  by  thy  hands, 

Thy  saints  are  ruPd  by  love; 
And  thine  eternal  kingdom  stands, 

Tho'  rocks  and  hills  remove. 

HYMN  18-  r.  m. 

1.  VE  works  of  God  !  on  him  alone, 

A    His  footstool  earth,  high  heav'n  his  throne. 

Be  all  your  praise  bestow'd. 
His  hand  the  beauteous  fabric  made, 
His  eye  the  finish'd  work  survey'd, 

And  saw  that  all  was  good. 

2.  Ye  sons  of  men  !  his  praise  display, 
Who  stamp'd  his  image  on  your  clay, 

And  gave  it  pow'r  to  move, 
Where'er  ye  go,  where'er  ye  dwell, 
From  age  to  age  successive  tell 

The  wonders  of  his  love. 

3.  Ye  spirits  of  the  just  and  good  ! 
Who,  panting  for  that  blest  abode, 

To  heav'ns  bright  mansions  soar: 
O  let  your  songs  his  praise  display. 


12  PRAISE  AND 

Till  nature's  self  shall  waste  away. 
And  lime  shall  be  no  more. 
4.  Praise  him,  ye  meek  and  humble  train  ! 
Who  shall  those  heav'nly  joys  obtain, 

Prepar'd  for  souls  sincere. 
Now  praise  him  till  you  take  your  way 
To  regions  of  eternal  day, 
To  dwell  for  ever  there. 

HYMN  19   p.  m 

1.  A/fY  soul,  praise  the  Lord, 
-L'A  Speak  good  of  his  name  ! 
His  mercies  record, 

His  bounties  proclaim. 
To  God,  their  Creator, 

Let  all  creatures  raise 
The  song-  of  thanksgiving, 

The  chorus  of  praise  ! 

2.  Though,  hid  from  man's  sight, 

God  sits  on  his  throne, 
Yet  here  by  his  works 

Their  Author  is  known. 
The  world  shines  a  mirror, 

Its  Maker  to  show; 
And  heav'n  views  its  image 

Reflected  below. 

3.  By  knowledge  supreme, 

By  wisdom  divine, 
God  governs  this  earth 

With  gracious  design. 
O'er  beast,  bird,  and  insect. 

His  providence  reigns, 
Whose  will  first  created, 

Whose  love  still  sustains. 

i.  And  man.  his  last  work, 

With  reason  endu'd, 
Who,  falling  through  sin, 

By  grace  is  renew'd: — 
To  God,  his  Creator, 

Let  man  ever  raise 
The  song  of  thanksgiving 

The  chorus  of  praise  ! 


THANKSGIVING.  « 

HYMN  20.  p.  m. 

l.nPlIOUpowY  supreme,  1>>  whose  command  we  live  ' 
Jl    The  grateful  tribute  of  our  praise  receive  : 
To  thy  indulgence  we  our  being  owe, 
And  all  the  joys  which  from  that  being  flow, 

2. Thy  skill  our  elemental  clay  refin'd, 
Anil  all  its  various  parts  in  order  join'd : 
With  perfect  symmetry  composed  the  whole, 
And  stamp'd  thy  sacred  image  on  the  soul: 

.).  A  soul,  susceptible  of  endless  joy, 

Whose  frame  nor  force,  nor  time  shall  e'er  destroy  ; 

Which   shall  survive,  though  nature  claim  our  breath , 

And  bid  defiance  to  the  darts  of  death. 
4.  How  shall  our  hearts  their  grateful  sense  reveal. 

When  all  the  energy  of  words  must  fail  ? 

O  may  its  influence  in  our  lives  appear, 

And  ev'ry  action  prove  our  thanks  sincere. 

HYMN  21.  s.  m. 

1.  A  FY  Maker  and  my  King! 
i-^A  To  thee  my  all  I  o\\  e. 
Thy  sov'reign  bounty  is  the  spring. 
From  whence  my  blessings  flow. 
l3.  Thou  ever  good  and  kind  ! 
A  thousand  reasons  move, 
A  thousand  obligations  bind 
>ly  heart  to  grateful  lord 
.3.  The  creature  of  thy  hand, 
On  thee  alone  I  live. 
Mv  God,  thy  benefits  demand 
More  praise  than  tongue  can  give. 
4.  O  what  can  1  impart, 

When  all  was  thine  before  ? 
Thy  love  demands  a  thankful  heart: 
The  gift,  alas  !  how  poor  ! 
"'.Shall  [withhold  thy  due  ; 

And  shall  my  passions  rove  ? 
fiord,  make  me  to  th\  service  UHie, 
\ud  till  me  with  thv  lo\e. 

n 


14  PRAISE  AND 

C.  O  let  thy  grace  inspire 

My  soul  with  strength  divine  j 
Let  all  my  pow'rs  to  thee  aspire, 
And  all  my  days  be  thine. 

HYMN  22    s.  m. 

1.  r\  BLESS  the  Lord,  my  soul  ! 
*J  Let  all  within  me  join, 

And  aid  my  tongue  to  bless  his  name, 
Whose  favours  are  divine. 

2.  O  bless  the  Lord,  my  soul ! 

Nor  let  his  mercies  lie 
Forgotten  in  unthankfulness, 
And  without  praises  die. 

3.  'Tis  he  forgives  thy  sins  ; 

'Tis  he  relieves  thy  pain  ; 
'Tis  he  that  heals  thy  sicknesses, 
And  gives  thee  strength  again. 

4.  He  crowns  thy  life  with  love, 

When  rescu'd  from  the  grave  ; 
He,  that  redeemed  our  souls  from  death, 
Hath  boundless  pow'r  to  save. 

5.  He  fills  the  poor  with  good  ; 

He  gives  the  suff'rers  rest. 
The  Lord  hath  justice  for  the  proud, 
And  mercy  for  th'  oppress'd. 

6.  His  wondrous  works  and  ways 

He  made  by  Moses  known ; 
But  sent  the  world  his  truth  and  grace 
By  his  beloved  Son. 

HYMN  28    l.  m. 

1.  f^  REAT  source  of  life,  our  souls  confess 
^J  The  various  riches  of  thy  grace  ; 
Crown'd  with  thy  mercy,  we  rejoice, 
And  in  thy  praise  e\:ilt  our  \oice. 

%  By  thee  the  vault  of  heav*n  was  spread  : 
By  thee  the  earth's  foundations  laid; 
And  all  the  scenes  oCtnan's  abode 
Proclaim  a  wise  and  gracious  ti"«i 


THANKSGIVING.  15 

.{.  Thy  quick'ning  hand  restores  cur  bit  alb, 
\\  hen  trembling  on  the  verge  of  death  : 
Gently  it  wipes  awa\  our  tears, 
And  lengthens  lite  to  future  years. 

4. Oar  lives  are  sacred  to  the  Lord, 
Kindled  by  him,  by  him  restored  ; 
And,  while  our  hours  renew  their  race, 
.May  sin  no  more  these  hours  disgrace  ! 

5.  So  when,  at  length,  by  thee  we're  led 
Through  unknown  regions  of  the  dead, 
V.ith  hope  triumphant  may  we  move 
To  scenes  of  nobler  life  above. 

HVMX  24.  l.  m. 

l.TN  glad  amazement,  Lord,  I  stand, 
-*-  Amidst  the  bounties  of  thy  hand. 
How  numberless  those  bounties  are  ! 
How  rich,  how  various,  and  how  fair  ! 

2.  Hut  O  !  what  poor  returns  I  make  ! 
What  lifeless  thanks  1  pay  thee  back  ! 
Lord  !  1  confess  with  humble  shame, 
My  offerings  scarce  deserve  the  name. 

3.  Fain  would  my  labYing  heart  devise 
To  bring  some  nobler  sacrifice. 

T  li  i    -  beneath  the  mighty  load: 
What  shall  1  render  to  my  God  ? 

4.  To  him  I  consecrate  my  praise, 
And  %ow  the  remnant  of  my  days. 
Yet,  what,  at  be-^t,  can  I  pretend, 
Worthy  such  gifts  from  such  a  friend  ? 

3.  In  deep  abasement,  Lord,  I  see, 

My  emptiness  and  poverty. 

Enrich  my  soul  with  grace  divine. 

And  make  me  worthier  to  be  thine. 
ft.  Give  me  at  length  an  angel's  tongue, 

That  heav'ti  may  echo  with  my  song. 

The  theme  too  great  i'^v  time  shall  be 

The  joy  of  long  eternity. 


16  PHA1SE  AND 

HYMN  25    s.  m. 

1.  f\  Lord,   our  heavenly  King  ! 
^-^  Thy  name  is  all  divine. 

Thy  glories  round  the  earth  are  spread, 
And  o'er  the  heav'ns  they  shine. 

2.  When  to  thy  works  above 

I  raise  my  wond'ring  eyes, 
And  see  the  moon  thy  hands  have  formM 
In  all  her  splendour  rise  : 

3.  When  I  survey  the  stars, 

That  fill  the  vaulted  sky  : — 
Lord,  what  is  man,  that  he  should  stand 
In  thy  regard  so  high  ? 

4.  Or  what  the  son  of  man, 

That  he  should  be  thy  care, 
And  in  the  bounties  of  thy  grace 
Possess  so  large  a  share  ? 

5.  Tho'  offspring  of  the  dust, 

(How  vast  the  debt  we  owe  !) 
Next  to  thine  angels  are  we  plac'd, 
And  lords  of  all  below. 

6.  Appointed  for  our  use, 

The  subject  beasts  obey, 
And  birds  that  cut  the  air  with  wings. 
And  fish  that  cleave  the  sea. 

7.  How  rich  thy  favours  are  ! 

How  wondrous  are  thy  ways  ! 
Of  dust  and  worms  thy  pow'rean  frame, 
A  monument  of  praise. 

HYMN  26.  c.  m. 

1.  ALMIGHTY  Father!  Gracious  Lord ! 

-£*-  Kind  Guardian  of  my  days  ! 

Thy  mercies  let  in\  heart  record 

In  songs  of  grateful  praise. 

2.  In  life's  first  dawn,  raj  tender  frame 

Was  thv  indulgent  care, 
Lon^ere  I  could  pronounce  thy  name. 
Or  breathe  the  infant  pray  Y. 

3.  When  reas  mi  u  ith  my  stature  grev\ , 

How  weak  her  brightest  ray  ! 


THANKSGIVING.  \T 

How  little  of  my  God  I  knew  ! 
J  low  apt  from  thee  to  stray  ! 
i.  Around  my  path  what  dangers  rose  ! 
What  snares  o'erspread  my  road  ! 
!No  pow'r  could  guard  im*  from  my  toes. 
But  my  Preserver,  God. 
5.  When  life  hong  trembling  on  a  breath, 
Twas  thy  unceasing  love 
That  sar'd  me  iVot^i  impending  death, 
And  bade  my  fears  remove. 
6. Lord,  though  this  mortal  frame  dec 
And  earthly  comfort  flies; 
Complete  tin*  wonders  of  thy  grace, 
And  raise  me  to  the  skies. 
7.  Then  shall  nn  joyful  powrrs  unite 
In  more  exalted  lays, 
And  join  the  happy  sons  of  light 
In  everlasting  praise. 

HYMN  27.  c.  m. 

1.  A  TV  God,  what  blessings  round  me  slioip  . 
-»-*■*  \\  \^vc\r  I  turn'd  mine  eye  ! 

How  many  pa&t'd  almost  unknown, 
Or  unregarded  by  ! 

2.  Each  rolling  year  new  favours  brought 

From  thj  exhaustless  store. 
But,  ah  !  in  vain  my  lab'ring  thought 

Would  count  thy  mercies  o'er : 
S.  While  sweet  reflection,  thro'  my  days, 

Thy  bounteous  hand  would  trace  j 
Still  dearer  blessings  claim  my  praise, 

The  blessings  of  thy  grace. 

4.  Yes,  1  adore  thee,  gracious  Lord  ! 

For  favours  more  divine  ; 
That  I  have  known  thy  sacred  word, 
Where  all  thy  glories  shine. 

5.  My  highest  praise,  alas,  how  poor  ! 

IIow  cold  m\  warmest  love  ! 
My  Father  !  tench  me  to  adore 
Ki  angels  do  above. 
15  2 


18  PRAISE  AND  THANKSGIVING. 

HYMN  28    c  m 

I.  TVTHEN  all  thy  mercies,  O  ray  God  ! 
*  *     My  rising-  soul  surveys: 
Transported  with  the  view,  I'm  lost 
In  wonder,  love,  and  praise. 
2.0  how  shall  words  witli  equal  warmth 
The  gratitude  declare, 
That  glows  within  my  ravish 'd  heart ! 
But  thou  canst  read  it  there, 
o.  Thy  providence  my  life  sustain 'd, 
And  all  my  wants  redress'd, 
When  in  the  silent  womb  I  lay 
Or  hung  upon  the  bri  ast. 

4.  To  all  my  weak  complaints  and  cries 

Thy  mercy  lent  an  ear, 
Ere  yet  my  feeble  thoughts  had  learnt 
To  form  themselves  in  pray'r. 

5.  Unnumber'd  comforts  on  my  soul 

Thy  tender  care  bestow 'd 
Before  my  infant  heart  conceiv'd 
From  whom  those  comforts  flow'd. 

6.  When  in  the  slipp'ry  paths  of  youth, 

With  heedless  steps,  I  ran  ; 
Thine  arm,  unseen,  convey 'd  me  safe, 
And  led  me  up  to  man. 

7.  Through  hidden  dangers,  toils  and  deaths 

It  gently  clear'd  my  way  ; 
And  through  the  pleasing  snares  of  vice, 
More  to  be  fear'd  than  they* 

8.  When  worn  with  sickness,  oft  hast  thou 

With  health  renew  'd  my  face  ; 
And,  when  in  sins  and  sorrows  sunk, 
Heviv'd  my  soul  with  grace. 
'J. Thy  bounteous  hand  with  worldly  bliss, 
Hath  made  my  cop  run  o'er, 
And  in  a  kind  and  faithful  friend 
Hath  doubled  all  my  store. 
10. Ten  thousand  thousand  previous  gjfls 
My  daily  thanks  employ  j 


CHARACTER  AM)  PERFECTIONS  fcc        It* 

Nor  is  the  least  a  cheerful  heart 

Which  tastes  those  gifts  with  joy. 
11.  Through  ev'ry  period  of  my  life 

Thy  goodness  I'll  pursue; 
And,  after  death,  in  distant  Worlds, 
The  glorious  theme  renew. 

12.  When  nature  fails,  and  day  and  Dight 

Divide  thy  works  no  more, 
My  ever  grateful  heart,  O  Lord  f 
Thy  mercy  shall  adore. 

13.  Through  all  eternity  to  thee 

A  joyful  song  Til  raise: — 
But  oh  !  eternity's  too  short 
To  utter  all  thy  praise  ! 


ii. 

CHARACTER  AND  PERFECTIONS 
OF  GOD. 

HYMN  29.  l.  m. 

God  incomprehensible. 
1. 1^  REAT  God,  in  vain  man's  narrow  view 

*J  Attempts  to  look  thy  nature  through. 

Our  lah'ring  pow'ra  with  rev'rence  own, 

Thy  glories  never  can  he  known. 
r  the  high  seraph's  mighty  thought, 

Who  countless  years  his  God  has  sought. 

Such  wondrous  height  or  depth  can  find, 

Or  fully  trace  thy  boundless  mind. 
3,  V<  t  Lord,  thy  kindness  deigns  to  show 

Enough  for  mortal  men  to  know  ; 

While  wisdom,  goodness,  pow'r  divine 

Thro'  all  thy  works  and  conduct  shine. 
4.0  !  may  our  souls  with  rapture  trace 
Thy  works  of  nature  and  of  grace, 

Explore  thy  sacred  truth,  and  still 

Press  on  to  know  and  do  thy  will ! 


20  CHARACTER  AND 

HYMN  80    l   m. 

T/ic  Majesty  of  God. 

1.  "V"E  weak  inhabitants  of  clay, 

1   Ye  trifling  insects  of  a  day, 
Low  in  your  native  dust  bow  down 
Before  tli'  Eternal's  awful  throne. 

2.  Let  Lebanon  her  cedars  bring, 

To  blaze  before  the  sov'reign  king  ; 
And  all  the  beasts  that  on  it  feed, 
As  victims  at  its  altar  bleed. 

3.  Loud  let  ten  thousand  trumpets  sound, 
And  call  remotest  nations  round, 
Assembled  on  the  crowded  plains, 
Princes  and  people,  kings  and  swains. 

4.  Join'd  with  the  living,  let  the  dead, 
Rising,  the  face  of  earth  o'erspread ; 
And,  while  his  praise  unites  their  tongues, 
Let  angels  echo  back  the  songs. 

5.  The  drop  that  from  the  bucket  falls, 
The  dust  that  hangs  upon  the  scales, 
Is  more  to  sky  and  earth,  and  sea, 
Than  all  the  pomp,  great  God  !  to  thee. 

HYMN  81.  l.  m. 

I.'Y'E  sons  of  men  in  sacred  lays, 

A   Attempt  the  great  Creator's  praise  : 
But  who  an  equal  song  can  frame  ? 
What  verse  can  reach  the  lofty  theme  ? 

2. He  sits  enthron'd  amidst  the  spheres, 
And  glory  like  a  garment  wears  j 
While  boundless  wisdom,  pow'r  and  grace, 
Command  our  awe,  transcend  our  praise. 

3.  Before  his  throne  a  shining  hand 
Of  cherubs  and  of  seraphs  Btand  ; 
Ethereal  spirits,  who  in  flight 
Outstrip  the  rapid  speed  of  light. 

4. To  God  all  nature  owes  its  birth, 

Heform'd  this  pond'rous  globe  of  earth. 
He  rais'd  the  glorious  arch  on  high, 
And  mensur'd  out  the  azure  sky. 


PERFECTIONS  OE  GOD. 

5 .  Iu  all  our  Maker's  grand  designs, 
Omnipotence  \\  itli  wisdom  shines. 
J  lis  works  through  all  this  wondrous  frame, 
Bear  the  great  impress  of  his  name. 

C.  Rais'd  on  devotion's  lofty  wing, 
Let  us  li is  high  perfections  sing: 
()  let  his  praise  employ  our  tongue, 
Whilst  list'ning  worlds  applaud  the  song ! 

HYMN  §2.  c.  m. 

God  eternal  and  unchangeable. 
1.  p  HEAT  God,  how  infinite  art  thou  ! 
^-T  J  low  frail  and  weak  are  we  ! 
Let  the  whole  race  of  creatures  bow, 
And  pay  their  praise  to  thee. 
2. Thy  throne  eternal  ages  stood, 
Ere  earth  or  hcav'n  was  made; 
Thou  art  the  ever-living  God, 
Were  all  the  nations  dead. 
.».  Nature  and  time  all  open  lie 
To  thine  immense  survey, 
From  the  formation  of  the  sky, 
To  the  last  awful  day. 

4.  Eternity  with  all  its  years, 

Stand-,  present  to  thy  view. 
To  thee  there's  nothing  old  appears  ; 
Great  God  !  there's  nothing  new. 

5.  Our  lives  thro'  various  scenes  are  drawn, 

And  vex'd  with  trifling  cares  ; 
While  thine  eternal  thought  moves  on 
Thine  undisturb'd  affairs. 

6.  Great  God,  how  infinite  art  thou  ! 

How  frail  and  weak  are  we  ! 
Let  the  whole  race  of  creatures  bow, 
And  pay  their  praise  to  thee. 

HYMN  33.  i.    i 
!.    A  Ll^POWRFUL,  self-existem  God, 

-'-  *■  \\  ho  all  Creadon  dost  sustain  ! 
Thou  wast,  and  art,  and  art  to  come  ; 
And  everlasting  is  thy  reign. 


22  CHARACTER  AND 

2.  Fix'd  and  eternal  as  thy  <\;\  s, 

Each  glorious  attribute  divine, 
Thro'  ages  infinite,  shall  still 
With  undiminish'd  lustre  shine. 

3.  Fountain  of  being,  source  of  good  ! 

Immutable  dost  thou  remain  ; 
Nor  can  the  shadow  of  a  change 
Obscure  the  glories  of  thy  reign. 

4.  Nature  her  order  shall  reverse, 

Revolving  seasons  cease  their  round  ; 

Nor  spring  appear  with  blooming  pride, 

Nor  autumn  be  with  plenty  crown'd: 

5.  Yon  shining  orbs  forget  their  course  ; 

The  sun  his  destin'd  path  forsake  ; 
And  burning  desolation  mark 

Amid  the  world  his  wand'ring  track : 

6.  Earth  may  "with  all  her  pow'rs  dissolve, 

If  such  the  great  Creator's  will : 
But  thou  for  ever  art  the  same, 
"  I  am"  is  thy  memorial  still. 

HYMN  84.  l.  m. 

God  almighty. 

1.  f^  IVE  to  the  Lord,  ye  sons  of  fame, 

^J  Give  to  the  Lord  renown  and  povv'r; 
Ascribe  due  honours  to  his  name, 
And  his  eternal  might  adore. 

2.  The  Lord  proclaims  his  pow'r  aloud, 

O'er  the  vast  ocean  and  the  land  ; 
His  voice  divides  the  wat'rv  cloud, 
And  lightnings  blaze  at  his  command. 

3.  He  speaks,  and  howling  tempests  rise, 

And  lay  the  forest  bare  around  ; 
The  fiercest  beasts,  witli  piteous  cries, 
Confess  the  terror  of  the  sound. 

4.  His  thunders  rend  tin*  vaulted  skies, 

And  palaces  and  temples  shake. 
The  mountains  tremble  :it  die  noise, 
The  valleys  roar,  the  deserts  quake. 

5.  The  Lord  sits  sov'reign  o'er  the  flood; 

The  Thund'rer  reignafor  ever  King ; 


PERFECTIONS  OF  GOD.  23 

But  makes  bis  church  his  blest  ahode, 
Where  we  his  awful  glories  sing. 
6*  We  see  no  terrors  in  his  name, 
But  in  our  God,  a  Father  find. 
The  voice,  that  shakes  all  nature's  frame. 
Speaks  comfort  to  the  pious  mind. 

HYMN  35    c    m. 

1.  A  LMIGHTY  God,  thy  pow'rful  word 
-£*•  From  nothing  all  things  brought; 
Earth,  seas,  and  skies,  by  thee  their  Lord, 

x\  ith  skill  divine  were  wrought. 

2.  Thy  pleasure  heav'nlv  hosts  fulfil ; 

For  thee  each  planet  rolls; 
Earth,  sun,  and  stars  perform  thy  will ; 
Thy  nod  the  world  controls. 

3.  Thou  over  all  art  1  .ord  supreme ; 

All  else  from  thee  derive. 
No  being  can  dispute  thy  claim, 
Or  independent  live. 

4.  To  thee,  our  Lord,  we  therefore  bow  ; 

To  thee,  our  all  resign. 
Entire  to  thee  ourselves  we  vow  , 
For  wl  are  wholly  thine. 

HYMN  86.  o.  if. 

I.  *T*WAS  God  who  hurPd  the  rolling  spheres, 

-*-    And  stretch'd  the  boundless  skies  ; 
Who  form'd  the  plan  of  endless  years, 
And  bade  the  ages  rise. 
2. From  everlasting  is  his  might, 
Immense  and  unconfin'd  : 
He  pierces  through  the,  realms  of  light, 
And  rides  upon  the  wind. 
.'^.IIc  darts  along  the  burning  skies; 
Loud  thunders  round  him  roar; 
All  luavn  attends  him.  as  he  flies; 
And  hell  proclaims  his  pow'r. 
4.  He  scatters  nations  with  his  breath  , 
Tbc  leatter'd  uatioBs  fly  ; 


2i  CHARACTER  AM) 

Blue  pestilence  and  wasting  death 

Confess  the  Godhead  nigh. 
5.  Ye  worlds,  with  ev'ry  living  tiling,       ^ 
Fulfil  his  high  command  ; 
Mortals,  pay  homage  to  your  King, 
And  own  his  ruling  hand. 

HYMN  87.  i..  m. 

God  omnipresent  and  omniscient. 

1.  T  ORD,  thou  hast  searched  and  seen  me  through  ; 
J-*  Thine  eye  commands,  with  piercing  view, 
My  rising  and  my  resting  hours. 

My  heart  and  flesh,  with  all  their  pow'rs. 

2.  Could  I  so  false,  so  faithless  prove, 
To  quit  thy  service  and  thy  love  ; 
Where,  Lord,  could  I  thy  presence  shun, 
Or  from  thy  dreadful  glory  run  ; 

3.  If,  mounted  on  a  morning  ray, 
I  fly  beyond  the  western  sea  ; 

Thy  swifter  hand  would  first  arrive, 
And  there  arrest  thy  fugitive. 

4.  Or  should  I  try  to  shun  thy  sight 
Beneath  the  spreading  veil  of  night ; 
One  glance  of  thine,  one  piercing  ray 
Would  kindle  darkness  into  day. 

5.  The  veil  of  night  is  no  disguise, 

Xo  screen  from  thy  all-searching  eyes. 
Thy  hand  can  seize  thy  foes  as  booo 
Through  midnight  shades,  as  blazing  noon. 
0.  O  may  these  thoughts  possess  my  bn 
Where'er  I  rove,  where'er  I  rest ! 
Nor  let  my  weaker  passions  dare 
Consent  to  sin,  for  God  is  there. 

HYMN  §8.  c  *> 

ORD,  all  I  am  is  known  to  thee  ' 
In  vain  my  soul  -would  try 
!'<>  shun  th\   presence,  or  to  the 

The  notice  of  thine  ej  6. 
Thy  all-surrounding  sight  SOTveva 
Sl\  rising  and  my  rest. 


1/ 


PERFECTIONS  OF  GOD.  25 

My  public  walks,  ray  private  ways, 
And  secrets  of  my  breast. 
>.  My  thoughts  lie  open  to  thee,  "Lord, 
Before  they're  forra'd  within  ; 
And  ere  my  lips  pronounce  the  word, 
Thou  know'st  the  sense  I  mean. 
•i.  O  wondrous  knoM'ledge,  deep  and  high  ! 
Where  can  a  creature  hide  ? 
Within  thy  circling  arms  I  lie, 
Beset  on  ev'ry  side. 
5.  So  let  thy  grace  surround  me  still, 
And  like  a  bulwark  prove, 
To  guard  my  soul  from  ev'ry  ill, 
Secur'd  by  sov'ieign  love. 

HYMN  39    s. m. 

\.  "VTY  heart  and  ways,  O  God  ! 
1>Jl  I5y  thee  are  search  M  and  seen  ; 
My  outward  acts  thine  eye  obsen 
My  secret  thoughts  within. 
k2.  No  spot  the  realms  of  space, 

Whence  thou  art  absent,  know. 
In  heav'n  thou  reign'st  a  glorious  King, 
A  righteous  Judge  below. 
3.  Lord  !  if  within  m\  heart 

Thou  aught  ghould'st  disapprove: 
The  secret  evil  bring  to  light, 
And  by  thy  grace  remove. 
i.  It"  e'er  I've  been  pen  ^rse 
Or  foolish  in  thy  view  : 
Recall  my  Steps  to  thy  commands, 
And  form  my  life  anew. 

HYMX  40.  c.  m. 

1.  HHO  thee,  mj  God !  my  days  are  know  n  •. 

A    My  soul  enjoys  die  thiMght. 
ICi  actions  ail  before  thee  lie, 

Nor  arc  my  want-:  forgot. 

2.  Each  secret  wish  devotion  breatlu  >§, 

Is  vocal  to  thine  ear  ; 
C 


26  CHARACTER  AND 

And  all  my  walks  of  daily  life 
Before  thine  eye  appear. 

3.  The  vacant  hour,  the  active  scene.. 

Thy  mercy  shall  approve ; 
And  ev'ry  pang  of  sympathy, 
And  ev'ry  care  of  love. 

4.  Each  golden  hour  of  beaming  light 

Is  gilded  by  thy  rays  ; 
And  dark  affliction's  midnight  gloom 
A  present  God  surveys. 

5.  Full  in  thy  view  thro'  life  I  pass, 

And  in  thy  view  1  die. 
Lord  !  when  all  mortal  bonds  shall  break 
May  1  still  find  thee  nigh  ! 

HYMN  41.  c.  m. 

God's  Wisdom. 

1.  OONGS  of  immortal  praise  belong 
^   To  my  almighty  God  : 

He  hath  my  heart,  and  he  my  tongue, 
To  spread  his  name  abroad. 

2.  How  great  the  works  his  hand  hath  wrought ! 

How  glorious  in  our  sight ! 
And  men  in  ev'ry  age  have  sought 
His  wonders  with  delight. 

3.  How  most  exact  is  nature's  frame  ! 

How  wise  th'  eternal  mind  ! 
His  counsels  never  change  the  scheme. 
That  his  first  thoughts  designed. 

4.  "When  he  redeem'd  the  sons  of  men, 

He  fix'd  his  cov'nant  sure  : 
The  orders,  that  his  lips  pronounce, 
To  endless  years  endure. 

5.  Nature,  and  time,  and  earth,  and  skies, 

Thy  heav'nh  skill  proclaim, 
What  shall  we  do  to  make  us  wise, 
But  learn  to  read  thy  name  ? 

6.  To  fear  thy  pow'r,  to  trust  thy  gl*t< 

Is  our  divine st  skill ; 
And  he's  the  wisest  of  our  race 
Who  best  obeys  thv  will. 


l'ERFECTIONS  OF  GOD.  27 

HYMN  42    o.  m. 

i.  TTTHEN  1  with  curious  eyes  survey 
*  *     My  complicated  frame, 
I  read  on  ev'ry  part  inscribe 
My  great  Creator's  name. 

2.  With  nicest  art,  in  secret,  God 

Did  ev'ry  member  write  ; 
And,  when  the  model  was  complete. 
My  eyes  beheld  the  light. 

3.  He  bade  the  purple  flood  of  life 

In  circling;  streams  to  flow  ; 

And  sent  the  genial  heat  around 

Through  ev'ry  part  to  glow. 

4.  Why  was  my  body  form'd  erect, 

Whilst  brutes  bow  down  to  earth  p 
But  that  my  soul  should  learn  to  know, 
And  claim  it's  nobler  birth. 

5.  Author  of  life  !  my  tongue  shall  sing 

The  wonders  of  my  frame. 
Long  as  I  breathe,  and  think  and  speak. 
I'll  praise  thy  glorious  name. 

HYMN  48.  c.  m. 

God  holy  and  just. 

1.  TTOLY  and  rev'rend  is  the  name 
-"  Of  our  eternal  King. 

Thrice  holy,  Lord  !  the  angels  cry : — 
Thrice  holy,  let  us  sing. 

2.  Holy  is  he  in  all  his  works, 

And  saints  are  his  delight ; 
But  sinners  and  their  wicked  ways 
Are  hateful  in  his  sight. 

3.  The  deepest  rev'rence,  homage,  love, 

Pay,  O  my  soul,  to  God  ; 
Lift  with  thy  hands  a  holy  heart 
To  his  sublime  abode. 

4.  Thou,  righteous  God  !  preserve  my  mind 

From  all  pollution  free ; 
Thine  image  form  wjthin  my  breast. 
That  I  thy  face  may  see. 


H  CHARACTER  ANT) 

HYMN  44    v.  m. 

1.  /^  OD  is  a  spirit,  just  and  -wise  ; 
^-*    He  sees  our  inmost  mind. 

In  vain  to  hea?'n  mi  raise  our  cries, 
And  leave  our  souls  behind. 

2.  Nothing  but  truth  before  his  throne 

With  honour  can  appear. 
The  painted  hypocrites  are  known 
Through  the  disguise  they  wear. 

3.  Their  lifted  eyes  salute  the  skies, 

Their  bended  knees  the  ground  : 
But  God  abhors  the  sacrifice, 
Where  not  the  heart  is  found. 

4.  Lord  !  search  my  thoughts,  and  try  my  Mays. 

And  make  my  soul  sincere  : 
Then  shall  1  stand  before  thy  face, 
And  find  acceptance  there. 

HYMN  45    l.  m. 

1.  T>RA1SE  ye  the  Lord  !  'tis  good  to  raise 
■*■     Our  hearts  and  voices  in  his  praise: 
His  nature  and  his  works  invite 

To  make  this  duty  our  delight. 

2.  He  loves  the  meek,  rewards  the  just, 
Humbles  the  wicked  in  the  dust, 
Melts  and  subdues  the  stubborn  soul 
And  makes  the  broken  spirit  whole. 

3.  His  saints  are  precious  in  his  sight ; 
He  views  his  children  with  delight  ; 
He  sees  their  hope,  he  knows  their 
Approves  and  loves  his  image  there. 

HYMN  46    c.  m. 

1.  VIT'ITH  eye  impartial,  heav'ns  high  King 
*  *     Surveys  each  human  tribe; 
No  earthly  pomp  his  ryes  can  charm, 
Nor  wealth  Ins  favour  bribe. 
.'..  The  rich  and  poor,  of  equal  rl:i\ 
J  lis  pow  Yful  hand  did  frame  ; 


PERFECTIONS  OF  GOD.  flj 

All  souls  are  his,  and  him  alike 

Their  common  Parent  claim. 
>.  Ye  sons  of  men  of  high  degree, 

Your  great  Superior  own  ; 
Praise  him  for  all  his  gifts,  and  pay 

Your  homage  at  his  throne. 
4.  Trust  in  the  Lord,  ye  humble  poor, 

And  banish  ev'ry  feu-  : 
The  God  you  serve  will  ne'er  forsnk e 

The  man  of  heart  sincere. 

HYMN  47.  i .  m. 

1.  VI7TIAT  eyes  like  tliine,  eternal  Sire, 

*  »     Through  sin's  obscurest  depths  inquire  r 

What  judge,  like  thee,  on  virtue's  foes 

The  needful  vengeance  can  impose  ? 
!~.  The  meek  observer  of  thy  laws 

To  thee  commits  his  injur'd  cause  : 

In  thee  each  anxious  fear  resign'd, 

The  fatherless  a  father  find. 

3.  Thine  is  the  throne  ;  beneath  thy  reign. 
Immortal  King,  the  tribes  profane. 
Behold  their  dreams  of  conquest  o'er, 
And  vanish  to  be  seen  no  more. 

4.  'Tis  thine  the  orphan's  cheek  to  dry, 
The  guiltless  suff'rer's  cause  to  try, 
To  rein  each  earth-born  tyrant's  will, 
And  bid  the  sons  of  pride  be  still. 

HYMN  48    l.  m. 

1. f  I  ^HOU  suit'st,  O  Lord,  thy  righteous  ways 
-*     To  various  paths  of  human  kind  : 
They,  who  for  mercy  merit  praise, 
With  thee  shall  wondrous  mercy  find. 
l2.  Such,  as  perversely  choose  to  go, 

Shall  meet  with  due  returns  from  thee : 

Thou  to  the  just  wilt  justice  show  ; 

The  pure  thy  purity  shall  see. 

o.  For  seeds  are  sown  of  glorious  light, 

A  future  harvest  for  the  just ; 

C  2 


CHARACTER  AND 

And  gladness  for  the  heart  that's  right. 
To  recompense  its  pious  trust, 
i.  Rejoice,  ye  righteous  in  the  Lord  ; 
Memorials  of  his  holiness 
Dee])  in  your  faithful  hreasts  record, 
And  with  your  thankful  tongues  confess. 

HYMN  49    l.  m. 

i.  HTHE  heart,  dejected,  sighs  to  know, 
-*-    Why  vice  triumphant  reigns  below  ; 

Why  saints  have  fall'n  in  ev'rv  age, 

The  victims  of  tyrannic  rage. 
■2.  Fast  roll  successive  years  away ; 

Fast  hastens  on  th'  important  day; 

When  to  th'  astonish 'd  worlds  surprise, 

God's  high  tribunal  shall  arise. 
3.  Hark,  'tis  the  trumpet's  piercing  sound  ; 

The  rising  dead  assemble  round ; 

In  close  procession,  see,  they  come, 

Eacli  to  receive  his  final  doom. 
4. Lo  !  there,  a  vile,  degen'rate  race; 

Pale  terror  sits  on  ev'rv  face  : 

Here  on  the  right,  a  joyful  band, 

The  sons  of  suff'ring  virtue  stand. 

5.  The  sentence  pass'd,  lo  !  these  arise 
To  bliss  and  glory  in  the  skies : 

While  those,  who  once  stood  high  in  fanu. 
Sink  to  contempt,  remorse,  and  shame. 

6.  Thus  shall  God's  government  appear 
Without  a  shade  divinely  fair; 

And  blushing  doubts,  with  joy  confess, 
The  Lord's  a  God  of  righteousness. 

HYMN  50.  i>.  m. 

Godfaithful. 
1.  rrMIE  promises  I  sing, 

-*-    Which  love  supreme  hath  spoke  | 
Nor  will  th'  eternal  King 
His  words  of  grace  revoke. 


PERFECTIONS  OF  GOD. 

They  stand  secure 
And  steadfast  still : 
Not  Sion's  hill 
Abides  so  sure. 
2.  The  mountains  melt  away, 

When  once  the  Judge  appears  j 
And  sun  and  moon  decay, 
That  measure  mortal  years: 
But  still  the  same, 
In  radiant  lines. 
His  promise  shines 
Through  all  the  flame. 
I  Their  harmony  shall  sound 
Thro'  my  attentive  ears, 
When  thunders  cleave  the  ground. 
And  dissipate  the  spheres. 
Midst  all  the  shock 
Of  that  dread  scene, 
I'll  stand  serene, 
Thy  word  my  rock. 

HYMN  51.  c.  m. 

God  benevolent  and  merciful, 

1.  rpHY  ceaseless,  unexhausted  love, 

A     Unmerited  and  free, 
Delights  our  evil  to  remove, 
And  help  our  misery. 

2.  Thou  waitest  to  be  gracious  still; 

Thou  dost  with  sinners  bear; 
That,  sav'd,  we  may  thy  goodness  feel, 
And  all  thy  grace  declare. 

3.  Thy  goodness  and  thy  truth,  to  me, 

To  ev'ry  soul  abound ; 
A  vast,  unfathomable  sea, 

Where  all  our  thoughts  are  drown'd. 

4.  Its  streams  the  whole  creation  reach, 

So  plenteous  is  the  store ; 
Enough  for  all,  enough  for  each, 
Enough  for  evermore. 

5.  Faithful,  O  Lord,  thy  mercies  arc; 

A  rock,  which  cannoi  move: 


32  CHARACTER  AND 

A  thousand  promises  declare 
Thy  constancy  of  love. 

6.  Throughout  the  universe  it  reigns, 
Unalterably  sure ; 
And  while  the  truth  of  God  remains, 
His  goodness  must  endure. 

HYMN  52.  p.  m. 

1.  ATY  God,  thy  boundless  love  I  praise ; 
-*"**•  How  bright  on  high  its  glories  blaze  ! 

How  sweetly  bloom  below  ! 
It  streams  from  thy  eternal  throne  ; 
Through  heav'n  its  joys  for  ever  run, 

And  o'er  the  earth  they  flow. 

2.  'Tis  love  that  paints  the  purple  morn, 
And  bids  the  clouds  in  air  upborne. 

Their  genial  drops  distil ; 
In  ev'ry  vernal  beam  it  glows, 
And  breathes  in  ev'ry  gale  that  blows, 

And  glides  in  ev'ry  rill. 

3.  It  robes  in  cheerful  green  the  ground, 
And  pours  its  flow'rv  beauties  round. 

Whose  sweets  perfume  the  gale  ; 
Its  bounties  richly  spread  the  plain. 
The  blushing  fruit,  the  golden  grain, 

And  smile  on  ev'ry  vale. 

4.  But  in  thy  gospel  see  it  shine 
With  grace  and  glories  more  divine, 

Proclaiming  sins  forgiv'n. 
There  faith,  bright  cherub,  points  the  wa\ 
To  realms  of  everlasting  day, 

And  opens  all  her  heav'n. 

5.  Then  let  the  love,  that  makes  me  blest. 
With  cheerful  praise  inspire  my  breast, 

And  ardent  gratitude  ; 
And  all  my  thoughts  and  passions  tend 
To  thee,  my  Father  and  my  Friend, 

My  soul's  eternal  good. 

HYMN  53    t    m. 

1.  nPRIUMPHANT,  Lord  !  thy  goodness  reigns 
J-   Thro'  all  the  wide  celestial  plains ; 


PERFECTIONS  OF  GOD. 

And  its  full  streams  redundant  flow 
Down  to  th'  abodes  of  men  below. 
8,  Thro'  nature's  works  thy  glories  shine; 
The  cares  of  providence  are  thine  ; 
And  thou  hast  rais'd  within  our  frame 
A  fairer  temple  to  thy  name. 

3.  O  give  to  ev'ry  human  heart, 

To  taste  and  feel  how  good  thou  art ; 
With  grateful  love  and  rev'rend  fear, 
To  know  how  blest  thy  children  are. 

4.  Let  nature  burst  into  a  song  : 

\  e  echoing  hills,  the  notes  prolong  ! 
Earth,  seas,  and  stars,  your  anthems  raise. 
All  vocal  with  your  Maker's  praise  ! 

5.  Join,  O  my  soul  !  the  gen'ral  song; 
To  thee  its  sweetest  notes  belong. 
Blest  above  all  by  love  divine, 

To  praise  is  eminently  thine. 

HYMN  54    c.  m. 

1.  OWEET  is  the  mem'ry  of  thy  grace, 
^  O  God,  my  heav'nly  King  ! 

Let  age  to  age  thy  righteousness 
In  sounds  of  glory  sing. 

2.  God  reigns  on  high,  but  not  confines 

His  goodness  to  the  skies. 
Through  the  whole  earth  his  bounty  shine -.. 
And  ev'ry  want  supplies. 

3.  With  longing  eyes,  thy  creatures  wait 

On  thee  for  daily  food  ; 
Thy  lib'ral  hand  provides  their  meat, 
And  fills  their  mouths  with  good. 

4.  How  kind  are  thy  compassions,  Lord  ! 

How  slow  thine  anger  moves  ! 
But  soon  he  sends  his  pard'ning  word, 
To  cheer  the  souls  he  loves. 

5.  Creatures,  with  all  their  endless  race, 

Thy  pow'r  and  praise  proclaim; 
lint  saints,  who  taste  thy  richer  gracr, 
Delight  to  bless  thy  name 


3i  CHARACTER  AND 

HYMN  .55.       m. 

1.  f^Ull  souls  with  pleasing  wonder  view 
"  The  bounties  of  thy  grace  ; 

How  much  bestow'd,  how  much  reserv'd, 
For  those  that  seek  thy  face. 

2.  Thy  lib'ral  hand  with  worldly  bliss 

Oft  makes  their  cup  run  o'er; 
And  in  the  cov'nant  of  thy  love 
They  find  diviner  store. 

3.  Here  mercy  hides  their  num'rous  sins  ; 

Here  grace  their  souls  renews; 
Here  hope,  and  love,  and  joy,  and  peace 
Their  heav'nly  beams  diffuse. 

4.  But  oh  !  what  treasures  yet  unknown 

Are  lodg'd  in  worlds  to  come ! 
.  If  these  th'  enjoyments  of  the  way, 
How  happy  is  their  home ! 

5.  And  what  shall  mortal  worms  reply  ? 

Or  how  such  goodness  own  ? 
But  'tis  our  joy,  that,  Lord,  to  thee 
Thy  servants'  hearts  are  known. 

6.  Since  time's  too  short,  all-gracious  God, 

To  utter  half  thy  praise  ; 
Loud,  to  the  honour  of  thy  name, 
Eternal  hymns  we'll  raise. 

HYMN  56.  s.  m. 

1.  "VTY  soul,  repeat  his  praise, 
-L*'    Whose  mercies  are  so  great; 
Whose  anger  is  so  slow  to  rise, 

So  ready  to  abate. 

2.  God  w  ill  not  alwa)  s  chide ; 

And,  when  his  wrath  is  felt, 
His  strokes  are  fewer  than  our  Crimes, 
And  lighter  than  our  guilt. 

3.  High  as  the  hcav'ns  are  rais'd 

Above  the  ground  wo  tread, 
So  far  the  riches  of  his  grace 
Our  highest  thoughts  exceed. 


PERFECTIONS  OF  GOD. 

i,  His  grace  subdues  our  sins  ; 
And  his  forgiving  love, 
Far  as  the  east  is  from  the  west, 
Doth  all  our  guilt  remove. 

5.  The  pity  of  the  Lord 

To  those  who  fear  his  name, 

Is  such  as  tender  parents  feel  ; 

He  knows  our  feeble  frame. 

6.  Our  days  are  as  the  grass, 

Or  like  the  morning  flow'r! 
If  one  sharp  blast  sweep  o'er  the  field, 
Tt  «  ilhers  in  an  hour. 

7.  Hut  thy  compassions.  Lord, 

To  endless  years  endure  ; 
And  children's  children  ever  find 
Thy  words  of  promise  sure. 

HYMN  57.  o.  m. 

1.  r\  TFIOLr,  the  wretched's  sure  retreat, 
"  Who  dost  our  cares  control, 

And  with  the  cheerful  smile  of  peace, 
Revive  the  fainting  soul ! 

2.  Did  ever  thy  propitious  ear, 

The  humble  plea  disdain  ? 
Or  when  did  plaintive  mis'ry  sigh, 
Or  supplicate  in  vain  ? 

Opprest  with  grief  and  shame,  dissolv'd 

In  penitential  tears, 
Thy  goodness  calms  our  anxious  doubts, 

And  dissipates  our  fears. 
4.  New  life  from  thy  refreshing  grace 

Our  sinking  hearts  receive  ; 
Thy  gentlest,  best-lov'd  attribute, 

To  pity  and  forgive. 

~k  From  that  blest  source,  propitious  hope 

Appears  serenely  bright, 
And  sheds  her  soft  ami  cheering  beam 

O'et  sorrow's  dismal  night. 
6.  Our  hearts  adore  thy  mercy,  Lord, 

And  bless  the  friendly  v-<\ . 


36      CHARACTER  AND  PERFECTIONS  &c. 

"Which  ushers  in  the  smiling  morn 
Of  everlasting  day. 

HYMN  58.  l.  m. 

1 .  |  TP  to  the  Lord,  who  reigns  on  high, 
^    And  views  the  nations  from  afar, 

Let  everlasting  praises  ily, 

And  tell  how  large  his  bounties  are. 

2.  He  overrules  all  mortal  things, 

And  manages  our  mean  affairs ; 
On  humble  souls  the  King  of  kings 

^Bestows  his  counsels  and  his  cares. 
,}.  Our  sorrows  and  our  tears  we  pour 

Into  the  bosom  of  our  God  ; 
He  hears  us  in  the  mournful  hour, 

And  helps  to  bear  the  heavy  load. 
4.  In  vain  might  lofty  princes  try 

Such  condescension  to  perform; 
For  worms  were  never  rais'd  so  high 

Above  their  meanest  fellow-worm. 
».  O  could  our  thankful  hearts  devise 

A  tribute  equal  to  thy  grace  ; 
To  the  third  heav'n  our  songs  should  rise, 

And  teach  the  golden  harps  thy  praise. 

HYMN  59    c.  m. 

1.  T  ET  ev'ry  tongue  thy  goodness  speak, 
JLi  Thou  sovereign  Lord  of  all: 

Thy  strengthening  hands  uphold  the  Weak, 
And  raise  the  poor  that  tall. 

2.  When  sorrow  bows  the  spirit  down, 

Or  virtue  lies  distress'd 
Beneath  some  proud  oppressor's  frown, 
Thou  giv'st  the  mourner  rest. 

3.  Thou  know'st  the  pain  thy  servants  iV 

Tliou  hear'st  thy  children  cry  ; 
And,  their  best  wishes  to  fulfil, 
Thy  grace  is  ever  nigh. 
4. Thy  mercy  never  shall  remove 
From  men  of  heart  sincere  ; 


WORKS  OF  GOD  &c. 

Thou  sav'st  the  souls,  whose  humble  love 

Is join'd  with  holy  fear. 
".  My  lips  shall  dwell  upon  thy  praise. 

And  spread  thy  fame  abroad. 
Let  all  the  sons  of  Adam  raise 

The  honours  of  their  God. 

HYMN  60.  s.  m. 

1.  f^  RACE,  'tis  a  charming  sound  ! 
*J  Harmonious  to  the  ear  ! 
Heav'n  with  the  echo  shall  resound, 

And  all  the  earth  shall  hear. 

2.  Grace  first  contriv'd  a  wray 

To  save  rebellious  man  ; 
And  all  the  steps  that  grace  display. 
Which  drew  the  wondrous  plan. 

3.  Grace  leads  my  roving  feet 

To  tread  the  heav'nly  road ; 
And  new  supplies  each  hour  I  meet. 

While  pressing  on  to  God. 
1.  Grace  all  the  work  shall  crown, 

Through  everlasting  days ; 
It  lays  in  heav'n  the  topmost  stone, 

And  well  deserves  the  praise. 

in. 

WORKS  OF  GOD  IN  NATURE 


HYMN  61.  l.  m. 

THE  spacious  firmament  on  high, 
With  all  the  blue  ethereal  sky, 
And  spangled  heav'n  s,  a  shining  frame, 
Their  great  Original  proclaim. 
.  Til'  unwearied  sun  from  day  to  day, 
Does  his  Creator's  pow'r  display. 
And  publishes  to  ev'ry  land 
The  work  of  an  almighH-  hand 
D 


38  WORKS  OF  GOD 

3.  Soon  as  the  ev'ning  shades  prevail. 
The  moon  takes  up  the  wondrous  lah 
And  nightly  to  the  list'ning  earth 
Repeats  the  storv  of  her  birth  : 

4.  Whilst  all  the  stars  that  round  her  hum 
And  all  the  planets  in  their  turn, 
Confirm  the  tidings  as  they  roll, 

And  spread  the  truth  from  pole  to  pole. 

5.  What  though  in  solemn  silence  all 
Move  round  the  dark  terrestrial  ball  ? 
What  tho'  nor  real  voice  nor  sound 
Amidst  their  radiant  orbs  be  found  ? 

6.  In  reason's  ear  they  all  rejoice, 
And  utter  forth  a  glorious  voice. 
For  ever  singing,  as  they  shine — 
The  hand  that  made  us  is  divine- 

HVMX  62,  l.  m. 

1.  rpJIERE  is  a  God,  all  nature  speaks, 

-*-    Through  earth,  and  air,  and  seas,  and  bki»  s. 
See,  from  the  clouds  his  glory  breaks, 
AYhen  the  first  beams  of  morning  rise. 

2.  The  rising  :>un  ,  serenely  bright, 

O'er  the  wide  world's  extended  framtf. 
Inscribes  in  characters  of  light 

His  mighty  Maker's  glorious  name. 

3.  Diffusing  life  his  inilucnce  spreads, 

And  health  and  plenty  smile  around  ; 
And  fruitful  fields,  and  verdant  meads, 
Are  with  a  thousand  blessings  crownM 

4.  Almighty  Goodness,  Pow'r  divine, 

Tin-  fields  and  verdant  meads  display  : 
And  bless  the  hand,  which  made  them  shinr 
With  various  charms  profusely  ga\ . 
."..For  man  and  boast,  here  daily  ford 
Jn  wide  diffusive  plenty  grows; 
And  there  for  drink,  the  crj  stal  flood 
In  streams  sweet  winding  gentlj  Hows. 
0.  B\  cooling  streams  REHJI  soft'oing  show  *rs, 
The  vegetable  race  are  fed; 


IX  NATURE. 

\i.,i  trees,  and  plants,  and  herbs,  and  ilov.Vs 
Their  Maker's  bounty  smiling  spread. 

HYMN  68.  c    m. 

I.  TTAIL,  great  Creator,  wise  and  good  ' 
-O-  To  tiiee  our  songs  we  rai 
Nature,  thro'  all  her  various  scenes, 
Invites  us  to  thy  praise. 
I.  At  morning,  noon,  and  evening  mild, 
Fresh  wonders  strike  our  view  ; 
And  while  we  gaze,  our  hearts  exult, 
With  transports  ever  new. 
>.  Thy  glory  beams  in  ev'ry  star, 

Which  gilds  the  gloom  of  night; 
And  decks  the  smiling  tare  of  morn 
With  rays  of  cheerful  light, 
i.  The  lofty  hill,  the  humble  lawn, 
With  countless  beauties  shine  ; 
Tbe  silent  grove,  the  awful  shade, 
Proclaim  thy  pow'r  divine. 
5.  Great  nature's  God  !  still  may  these  scenes 
Our  serious  hours  engage  ! 
Still  may  our  grateful  hearts  consult 
Thy  works'  instructive!  page  ! 
'..  And  while  in  all  thy  wondrous  works, 
Thy  varied  love  we  see; 
Still  may  the  contemplation  lead 
Our  hearts,  O  God,  to  thee  ! 

HYMN  61    c    m. 

1.  V\7E  sing  th'  almighty  pow'r  of  God, 
*  ▼     Who  bade  the  mountains  rise, 
Who  spread  the  flowing  seas  abroad, 
And  built  the  lofty  s^ies. 
1.  We  sing  the  wisdom  that  ordain'd 
The  sun  to  rule  the  day  j 
The  moon  shines  full  at  his  command, 

And  all  tbt'  stars  obey, 
We  sing  the  goodness  of  the  Lord, 
W  ho  fills  the  earth  with  food  ; 


43  WORKS  OF  GOD 

Who  form'd  his  creatures  by  a  word, 
And  then  pronounc'd  them  good. 

4.  Lord,  how  thy  wonders  are  display 'd, 

Where'er  we  turn  our  eyes ; 
Whether  we  view  the  ground  we  tread, 
Or  gaze  upon  the  skies  ! 

5.  There's  not  a  plant  nor  flow'r  below, 

But  makes  thy  glories  known ; 
And  clouds  arise,  and  tempests  blow, 
By  order  from  thy  throne. 

6.  Creation,  vast  as  it  may  be, 

Is  subject  to  thy  will. 
There's  not  a  place,  where  we  can  flee; 
But  God  is  wjth  us  still. 

7.  On  him  each  moment  we  depend  ; 

If  he  withdraw,  we  die. 
Oh  may  we  ne'er  that  God  offend, 
WJio  is  for  ever  nigh  ! 

HYMN  65    l.  m. 

1.  T  ET  the  high  heav'ns  your  songs  invite  , 
-*-*  Those  spacious  fields  of  brilliant  light. 
Where  sun,  and  moon,  and  planets  roll, 
And  stars  that  glow  from  pole  to  pole. 

2.  Sing  earth  in  verdant  robes  array 'd, 

Its  herbs  and  fiow'rs,  its  fruits  and  shade  j 
Peopled  with  life  of  various  forms, 
Offish,  and  fowl,  and  beasts,  and  worms. 

3.  View  the  broad  sea's  majestic  plains, 
And  think  how  wide  its  Maker  reigns. 
That  band  remotest  nations  joins  ; 
And  on  each  wave  his  goodness  shines. 

4.  But  O  !  that  brighter  world  above. 
Where  lives  and  reigns  incarnate  love  ! 
God's  only  son,  in  flesh  array  M, 

For  man  a  bleeding  victim  made  ! 

5.  Thither,  my  soul,  with  rapture  soar  j 
There  in  the  land  of  praise  adore  ! 
The  theme  demands  an  angel's  la} 
Demands  an  everlasting  day. 


IN  NATURE. 
HYMN  66    l.  m. 

i.  INTERNAL  source  ofev'ryjoy  ! 
-i-^   Well  may  thy  praise  our  lips  emplo\ , 
While  in  thy  temple  w  e  appear, 
AYhose  goodness  crowns  the  circling  year. 

2.  The  flow'ry  spring,  at  thy  command, 
Perfumes  the  air,  and  paints  the  land; 
The  summer-rays  with  vigour  shine, 
To  raise  the  corn  and  cheer  the  vine. 

3.  Thy  hand,  in  autumn,  richly  pours 
Through  all  our  coasts  redundant  stores  ; 
And  winters,  soften'd  by  thy  care, 

No  more  a  face  ot"  horror  wear. 

4.  Seasons,  and  months,  and  weeks,  and  da)  - 
Demand  successive  songs  of" praise. 

Still  be  the  cheerful  homage  paid, 
With  morning  light,  and  ev'ning  shade. 

5.  Here  in  thy  house  let  incense  rise, 
And  circling  sabbaths  bless  our  eyes ; 
'Till  to  those  lofty  heights  we  soar, 

"W  here  days  and  years  revolve  no  more. 

HYMN  67.  c.  m. 

1.  VVriTII  songs  and  honours  sounding  load, 

*  »     Address  the  Lord  on  high : 
Over  the  heavens  he  spreads  his  cloud, 
And  waters  veil  the  sky. 

2.  He  sends  his  showVs  of  blessings  down, 

To  cheer  the  plains  below  ; 
He  makes  the  grass  the  mountains  crown. 
And  corn  in  valleys  grow. 
i.  He  gives  the  grazing  ox  his  meat ; 
He  hears  the  raven's  cry  : 
But  man,  who  tastes  his  finest  wheat, 
Should  raise  his  honours  high. 
i.  His  steady  counsels  change  the  face 
Of  the  declining  year  : 
He  bids  the  sun  cut  short  hi> 
\nd  wintry  days  appear. 
'!>  S 


{9  WORKS  OF  GOU 

5.  His  hoary  frost,  his  fleecy  snow, 

Descend  and  clothe  the  ground  , 
The  liquid  streams  forbear  to  flow, 
In  icy  fetters  bound. 

6.  He  sends  his  word,  and  melts  the  snov» 

The  fields  no  longer  mourn. 
He  calls  the  warmer  gales  to  blow, 
And  bids  the  spring  return. 

7.  The  changing  wind,  the  flying  cloud, 

Obey  his  mighty  word. 
With  songs  and  honours  sounding  loud, 
Praise  ye  the  sov'reign  Lord. 

HYMN  68    c.  m. 

1.  TX7  HILE  beauty  clothes  the  fertile  vale 

*  »      And  blossoms  on  the  spray, 
And  fragrance  breathes  in  ev'ry  gale, 
How  sweet  the  vernal  day  ! 

2.  How  kind  the  influence  of  the  sjdes  ! 

ouil  show'rs  with  blessings  fraught, 
Bid  verdure,  beauty,  fragrance  rise, 
And  fix  the  roving  thought. 

3.  O  let  my  wond'ring  heart  confess, 

With  gratitude  and  love, 
The  bounteous  hand  that  deigns  to  bless 

The  garden,  field,  and  grove. 
I.  That  bounteous  hand  my  thoughts  adore 

Beyond  expression  kind, 
Hath  sweeter,  nobler  gifts  in  store, 

To  bless  the  craving  mind. 

>.  Inspir'd  to  praise,  I  then  shall  join 
Glad  nature's  cheerful  song ; 
And  love  and  gratitude  divine 
Attune  my  joyful  tongue. 

HYMN  69.  l.  m. 

1.  npiIE  rising  morn,  the  closing  day, 

J-     Kepeat  thy  praise  with  grateful  voice  . 
Both  in  their  turns  thy  powY  display, 
And,  laden  with  thy  gifts,  rejoice. 


IN  NATURE. 
?,  Earth's  wide-extended  varying  scenes, 
All  smiling  round,  thy  bounty  show. 
From  seas  or  clouds,  full  magazines, 
Thy  rich  diffusive  blessings  flow. 
3.  Now  earth  receives  the  precious  seed, 
Which  thy  indulgent  hand  prepares; 
And  nourishes  the  future  bread, 
And  answers  all  the  sower's  cares, 
h  Thy  sweet  refreshing  show'rs  attend 
And  through  the  ridges  gently  flow, 
Soft  on  the  springing  corn  descend ; 
And  thy  kind  blessing  makes  it  grow, 

5.  Thy  goodness  crowns  the  circling  year; 

Thy  paths  drop  fatness  all  around; 
Ev'n  barren  wilds  thy  praise  declare, 
And  echoing  hills  return  the  sound. 

6.  Here,  spreading  flocks  adorn  the  plain; 

There  plenty  ev'ry  charm  displays. 

Thy  bounty  clothes 'each  lovely  scene; 

And  joyful  nature  shouts  thy  praise. 

HYMN  70    l  m. 

i.  i^KEAT  God,  at  whose  all-powYful  call, 
vJ   At  first  arose  this  beauteous  frame  ! 
Bv  thee  the  seasons  change,  and  all 
The  changing  seasons  speak  thy  name. 

2.  Thy  bounty  bids  the  infant  year, 

From  winter  storms  recoverd,  rise  ; 

"When  thousand  grateful  scenes  appear, 

Fresh  op'ningto  our  wond'ring  eyes. 

3.  O  how  delightful  'tis  to  see 

The  earth  in  vernal  beauty  drest ! 
While  in  each  herb,  and  flow 'r,  and  tree, 
Thy  blooming  glories  shine  confest ! 

4.  Aloft,  full  beaming,  reigns  the  sun, 

And  light  and  genial  heat  conveys ; 
And,  while  he  leads  the  seasons  on, 
From  thee  derives  his  quick'ning  rays. 

5.  Aronnd  us,  in  the  teeming  field, 

Stands  the  rich  grain  or  purpled  vine. 


DIVINE  PROVIDENCE 

At  thy  command  they  rise,  to  yield 

The  strcngth'ning  bread  or  cheering  wine. 
6.  Indulgent  God  !  from  ev'ry  part 

Thy  plenteous  blessings  largely  flow. 

We  see ;  we  taste  ; — let  ev'ry  heart 
With  grateful  love  and  duty  glow. 


IV. 

DIVINE  PROVIDENCE  AND 
GOVERNMENT. 


HYMN  71    c.  m. 

1.  T  ET  the  whole  race  of  creatures  lie 
-*-^  Abas'd  before  the  Lord  ! 
Whate'er  his  powYiul  hand  has  form'd, 

lie  governs  with  a  word. 

2.  Ten  thousand  ages  ere  the  skies 

Were  into  motion  brought, 
All  the  long  years  and  worlds  to  come 
Stood  present  to  his  thought. 

3.  There's  not  a  sparrow  or  a  worm 

O'erlook'd  in  his  decrees. 
He  raises  monarch s  to  a  throne, 
Or  sinks  with  equal  ease. 

4.  If  light  attend  the  course  I  go, 

'Tis  he  provides  the  rays; 
And  'tis  his  hand  that  hides  the  sun, 
If  darkness  cloud  my  days. 

5.  Trusting  his  wisdom  and  his  love, 

I  would  not  wish  to  know, 
What  in  the  book  of  his  decrees 
Awaits  me  here  below. 
5,  Be  this  alone  my  fervent  prayVt 
Whatever  my  lot  shall  be, 
Or  joys,  or  sorrows,  may  they  form, 
Sfj   sou)  for  heav'ii  aud  thee  ! 


AND  GOVERNMENT.  15 

HYMN  72      .  m. 

i.  r~pHE  Lord,  how  fearful  is  his  name  ! 
J-     How  wide  is  his  command  ! 
Nature,  with  all  her  moving  frame, 
ltests  on  his  mighty  hand. 
'J.  Immortal  glory  forms  his  throne, 
And  light  his  awful  robe, 
Whilst,  with  a  smile  or  with  a  frown, 
He  manages  the  globe. 

3.  Adoring  angels  round  him  tall, 

In  all  their  shining  forms. 
His  sov'reign  eye  looks  thro'  thera  all, 
And  pities  mortal  worms. 

4.  His  bowels  to  our  worthless  race 

In  sweet  compassion  move  ; 
He  clothes  his  looks  with  softest  grace, 

And  takes  his  title,  love. 
>.  Now,  let  the  Lord  for  ever  reign, 

And  sway  us  *9  he  Mill. 
Sick,  or  in  health,  in  ease,  or  pain, 

We  are  his  fav'rites  still. 
u.  No  more  shall  peevish  passion  rise  ; 

The  tongue  no  more  complain. 
*Tis  sov'ivign  love  that  lends  our  joys, 

And  love  resumes  again. 

HYMN  78    >'•  m. 

l.VE  subjects  of  the  Lord,  proclaim 
■*-    The  royal  honours  of  his  name. 

"  Jehovah  reigns,"  be  all  your  song, 
"Tis  lie,  thy  God,  O  Zion  !  reigns. 
1'iepare  thy  most  harmonious  strains, 
Glad  hallelujahs  to  prolong. 
-.  Ye  princes,  boast  no  more  your  crown, 
Hut  lay  the  glittering  trifle  down 

In  lowly  honour  at  his  feet. 
A  span  your  narrow  empire  bounds: 
lie  reigns  beyond  created  rounds, 
In  self-sufficient  glory  great 
o.  Tremble,  ye  pageants  of  a  day, 

Form'd,  like  your  slaves,  of  brittle  els) 


46  DIVINE  PROVIDEXCE 

Down  to  the  dust  your  sceptres  bend. 
To  everlasting  years  be  reigns, 
And  undiminished  rule  maintains, 

When  k:ngs,  and  suns,  and  time  shall  end. 
4.  So  shall  his  fayour'd  Zion  live; 
In  vain  confed'rate  nations  strive 

Her  sacred  turrets  to  destroy : 
HerSov'reign  sits  enthron'd  above; 
And  endless  pow'r  and  endless  love 

Insure  her  safety  and  her  joy. 

HYMN  74.  p.  m. 

1.  rr*HE  Lord  of  glory  reigns  supremely  great, 

•*-    And  o'er  heav'n's  arches  builds  his  royal  seat. 
Thro'  worlds  unknown  his  sovereign  sway  extends, 
Nor  space,  nor  time,  his  boundless  empire  ends. 
His  eye  beholds  th'  affairs  of  ev'ry  nation, 
And  reads  each  thought  thro'  his  immense  creation. 

2.  Lightnings  and  storms  his  mighty  word  obey, 
And  planets  roll,  where  he  has  mark'd  their  waj  - 
Unnumber'd  cherubs  veil'd  before  him  stand, 
And  a^  his  signal  all  their  wings  expand. 

His  praise  gives  harmony  to  all  their  voices, 
And  ev'ry  heart  thro'  the  full  choir  rejoices. 

3.  Rebellious  mortals,  cease  your  tumults  vain, 
Nor  longer  such  unequal  war  maintain. 

Let  clay  with  fellow-clay  in  combat  strive: 
But   iread  to  brave  the  pow'r,  by  which  you  live. 
\\  .      t<   hearts  tall  prostrate,  and  adore  him; 

For,      hu   frown,  ye  perish  all  before  him. 

HYMN  75    l.  m 

GREATEST  of  beings,  source  of  life, 
Sov'reign  of  air,  and  earth,  and  sea  ! 
All  nature  feels  tin  pow'r;  but  man 
A.  grateful  tribute  pays  to  thee. 
2.  Subject  to  wants,  to  thee  be  looks, 

And  from  thy  goodness  seeks  supplies; 
\nd    w  ben  oppress'd  with  guilt,  he  mourn 

Thy  mercy  lifjts  him  to  the  skies. 

.3.  Children,  whose  lilile  minds,  unformM, 
Ne'er  rais'd  a  tender  thought  to  heav'n  \ 


G1 


AND  GOVERNMENT.  47 

And  men,  whom  reason  lifts  to  God, 
Tho'  oft  by  passion  downward  driv'n  ; 
i.  Those,  too,  w  ho  bend  with  age  and  care, 
And  faint  and  tremble  near  the  tomb, 
Who,  sick'ning  at  the  present  scenes, 
Sigh  for  that  better  state  to  come  : — 

5.  All,  great  Creator  !  all  are  thine : 

All  feel  thy  providential  care  ; 
And,  thro'  each  varying  scene  of  life, 
Alike  thy  constant  pity  share. 

6.  And,  whether  grief  oppress  the  heart, 

Or  whether  joy  elate  the  breast, 
Or  life  still  keep  its  little  course, 
Or  death  invite  the  heart  to  rest: — 

7.  All  are  thy  messengers,  and  all 

Thy  sacred  pleasure,  Lord,  obey  ! 
And  all  are  training  man  to  dwell 
Nearer  to  bliss,  and  nearer  thee. 

HYMN  76    l.  m. 

J.  V17TIO,  gracious  Father  !  can  complain, 
*  *      Under  thy  mild  and  gentle  reign  ? 
Who  does  a  w  eight  of  duty  share, 
More  than  his  aids  and  pow'rs  can  bear  ? 

I,  With  diffVing  climes,  and  differing  lands, 
With  fertile  plains  and  barren  sands, 
Tli\  hand  hath  fram'd  this  earthly  round, 
tad  let  each  nation  in  its  bound. 

3.  So  various  thy  celestial  ray 

Mere  sheds  a  full,  there  fainter  day. 
The  God  of  all,  unkind  to  none, 
To  all  the  path  of  life  hath  shown. 

4.  Large  is  the  bounfy  of  his  hand  : 
He  will  a  large  return  demand. 
Haste  then,  my  soul !  thy  work  pursue, 

Vnd  keep  the  hea\ -'nlv  prize  in  view. 

HYMN"  77    l.  m. 

1.  rpilROUGH  all  the  various  shifting  scene. 
■     Of  life's  mistaken  ill  or  good, 


48  DIVINE  PROVIDENCE 

Thy  hand,  O  God,  conducts,  unseen, 
The  beautiful  vicissitude. 

2.  Thou  givest  with  paternal  care, 

Howe'er  unjustly  we  complain, 
To  all  their  necessary  share 

Of  joy  and  sorrow,  health  and  pain. 

3.  Trust  we  to  youth,  or  friends,  or  pow'r  ? 

Fix  we  on  this  terrestrial  ball  ? 
When  most  secure,  the  coming  hour, 
If  thou  see  fit,  may  blast  them  all. 

4.  Thy  pow'rful  consolations  cheer; 

Thy  smiles  suppress  the  deep-letch'd  sigh ; 
Thy  hand  can  dry  the  trickling  tear, 
That  secret  wets  the  widow's  eye. 

5.  All  things  on  earth,  and  all  in  heav'n 

On  thy  eternal  will  depend  ; 
And  all  for  greater  good  were  giv'n, 
Would  man  pursue  th'  appointed  end. 

6.  Be  this  my  care ; — To  all  beside, 

IndifPrent  let  my  wishes  be. 
Passion  be  calm,  abas'd  be  pride, 

And  fix'd  my  soul,  great  God!  on  ther 

HYMN  78    o.  m. 

1.  /^  OD  moves  in  a  mysterious  way, 
^J   His  wonders  to  perform. 

He  plants  his  footsteps  in  the  sea, 
And  rides  upon  the  storm. 

2.  Deep  in  unfathomable  mines 

Of  never-failing  skill , 
He  treasures  up  his  bright  designs, 
And  works  his  sov'reign  will. 

3.  Ye  fearful  saints  !  fresh  courage  take 

The  clouds  ye  so  much  dread 
Are  big  with  mercy,  and  will  break 
In  blessings  on  your  head. 

4.  Judge  not  the  Lord  by  feeble  sense. 

But  trust  him  for  his  grace  ; 
Behind  a  frowning  providence- 
He  hides  a  smiling  face 


AND  GOVERNMENT.  49 

5.  His  purposes  will  ripen  fast, 

Unfolding  ev'ry  hour. 
The  bud  may  have  a  bitter  taste, 
But  sweet  will  be  the  How  t. 

6.  Mind  unbelief  is  sure  to  err, 

And  scan  his  work  in  vain. 
(iod  is  his  own  interpreter, 
And  he  will  make  it  plain. 

HYMN  79.  l.  m. 

1.  "\7AST  are  thy  works,  almighty  Lord  ! 

*     All  nature  rests  upon  thy  word. 
Thy  glories  in  the  heav'ns  we  see; 
The  spacious  earth  is  full  of  thee. 

2.  The  various  tribes  of  creatures  stand, 
Waiting  their  portion  from  thy  hand; 
And,  while  they  take  their  diff'rent  food, 
Their  cheerful  looks  pronounce  thee  good. 

3.  Whene'er  thy  face  is  hid,  they  mourn, 
And  dying,  to  their  dust  return  ; 
lioth  man  and  beast  their  souls  resign; 
Life,  breath,  and  spirit,  all  are  thine. 

i.  Yet  thou  canst  breathe  on  dust  again, 
\nd  till  the  world  with  beasts  and  men. 

A  word  of  thy  creating  breath 

Repairs  the  wastes  of  time  and  death. 
>.  The  earth  stands  trembling  at  thy  stroke, 

And  at  thy  touch  the  mountains  smoke. 

Yet  humble  souls  may  see  thy  face, 

And  tell  their  wants  to  sov'reign  grace. 
fj.  In  thee  my  hopes  and  wishes  meet, 

And  make  my  meditations  sweet. 

1  to  my  God,  my  heav'nly  King, 

Immortal  hallelujahs  sing. 

HYMN  80.  l.  m. 

I .  p  HEAT  Ruler  of  the  earth  and  skies  ! 
^J   A  word  of  thine  almighty  breath 

(.'an  sink  the  world,  or  bid  it  rise. 
Thy  smile  is  life,  thv  frown  is  death, 
F. 


50  DIVINE  PROVIDENCE 

2.  When  angry  nations  rush  to  arms, 

And  rage,  and  noise,  and  tumult  reign, 
And  war  resounds  its  dire  alarms, 

And  slaughter  dyes  the  hostile  plain  : 

3.  Thy  sov'reign  eye  looks  calmly  down, 

And  marks  their  course,  and  bounds  their  powY; 
Thy  law  the  angry  nations  own, 

And  noise  and  war  are  heard  no  more. 

4.  Then  peace  returns  with  balmy  wing, 

Sweet  peace  !  with  her  what  blessings  fled  ! 
Glad  plenty  laughs,  tl.e  vallies  sing, 
Reviving  commerse  lifts  her  head. 

5.  To  thee  we  pay  our  grateful  songs: 

Thy  kind  protection  still  implore, 
O  may  our  hearts,  and  lives,  and  tongues. 
Confess  thy  goodness,  and  adore  ! 

HYMN  81.  l.  m. 

1.  f^  OD  is  the  refuge  of  his  saints, 

^J  When  storms  of  deep  distress  invade 
Ere  we  can  offer  our  complaints, 
Behold  him  present  with  his  aid. 

2.  Let  mountains  from  their  seats  be  hurl'd 

Down  to  the  deep,  and  buried  there  ; 
Convulsions  shake  the  solid  world: 
Our  faith  shall  never  yield  to  fear. 

3.  Loud  may  the  troubled  ocean  roar  : 

In  sacred  peace  our  souls  abide  ; 
While  ev'ry  nation,  ev'ry  shore 

Trembles  and  dreads  the  swelling  li>!c 

4.  'Midst  storms  and  tempests,  Lord  !  thy  word 

Does  ev'ry  rising  fear  control, 
Sweet  peace  thy  promises  afford, 
And  well  sustain  the  fainting  soul. 

HYMN  82    s.  m. 

1.  f^  IVE  to  the  winds  thy  fears  ; 
*J  Hope,  and  be  undismay'd  : 
G  >d  hears  thy  sighs,  and  counts  thy  te  I 
God  shall  lift  up  thy  head. 
-2.  Through  waves  and  clouds  and  storms. 
He  gently  clears  (hi  \ 


\M)  GOVERNMENT.  5j 

\\  ait  thou  liis  time,  so  shall  this  night 
Soon  end  in  joyous  day. 
3.  What  though  thou  rulest  not ; 

Yet  heav'n  and  earth,  and  hell 
Proclaim,  God  sitteth  on  the  throne, 
And  nileth  all  tilings  well. 

4.  Thine  everlasting  truth, 

Father,  thy  ceaseless  love, 
Sees  all  thy  children's  wants,  and  know  •> 
What  best  lor  each  will  prove. 

5.  And  whatsoe'er  thou  will'st, 

Thou  dost,  O  King  of  kings  ; 
What  thine  unerring  wisdom  chose. 
Thy  powY  to  being  brings. 

6.  Thou  seest  our  weakness,  Lord  ; 

Our  hearts  are  known  to  thee. 
O  lift  thou  up  the  sinking  head, 
Confirm  the  feeble  knee. 

7.  Let  us  in  life,  and  death, 

Thy  steadfast  truth  declare  \ 
And  publish  with  our  latest  breath, 
Thy  love  and  guardian  care. 

HYMN  83.  l    m. 

1.  VTOT  from  relentless  fate's  dark  womb, 
-^  Qr  from  the  dust,  our  troubles  conn. 
No  fickle  chance  presides  o'er  grief, 

To  cause  the  pain,  or  send  relief. 

2.  Look  up  and  see,  ye  sorrowing  saints ! 
The  cause  ami  cure  of  \  our  complaints. 
Know,  'tis  your  heav'nly  Father's  will: 
Bid  ev'ry  murmur  then  be  still. 

3.  Me  sees,  we  need  the  painful  vol. 
Yet  love  directs  his  heaviest  stroke. 
lie  takes  no  pleasure  in  our  smart, 
But  wounds  to  heal  and  cheer  the  heart 

i   Blest  trials  those  that  cleanse  from  sin. 
And  make  the  soul  all  pure  within, 
Wean  the  fond  mind  from  earthly  toy  •. 
To  seek  aud  taste  celestial  joys  ! 


52  DIVINE  PROVIDENXE 

HYMN  84    c.  m. 

1.  HHO  calm  the  sorrows  of  the  mind, 

-»■    Our  heav'nly  Friend  is  nigh, 
To  wipe  the  anxious  tear  that  starts 
Or  trembles  in  the  eye. 

2.  Thou  canst,  when  anguish  rends  the  heart. 

The  secret  woe  control ; 
The  inward  malady  canst  heal, 
The  sickness  of  the  soul. 

3.  Thou  canst  repress  the  rising  sigh  ; 

Canst  sooth  each  mortal  care; 
And  ev'ry  deep  and  heart-felt  groan 
Is  wafted  to  thine  ear. 

4.  Thy  gracious  eye  is  watchful  still ; 

Thy  potent  arm  can  save 
From  threat'ning  danger  and  disease, 
And  the  devouring  grave. 

5.  When,  pale  and  languid  all  the  frame, 

The  ruthless  hand  of  pain 
Arrests  the  feeble  pow'rs  of  life, 
The  help  of  man  is  vain. 

6.  'Tjs  thou,  great  God  !  alone  canst  check 

The  progress  of  disease; 
And  sickness,  aw'd  by  pow'r  divine, 
The  high  command  obeys. 

7.  Eternal  source  of  life,  and  health, 

And  ev'ry  bliss  we  feel ! 
In  sorrow  and  in  joy,  to  thee 
Our  grateful  hearts  appeal,. 

HYMN  85    s.  m. 

1.  OUUE  there's  a  righteous  God, 
^  Nor  is  religion  vain  ; 
Tho'  men  of  vice  may  boast  aloud, 
And  virtuous  men  complain. 

2.1  sav  the  wicked  rise, 

And  felt  my  heart  repine, 
While  haughty  fools,  with  scornful 
In  robes  of  honour  shine. 


AND  GOVERNMENT, 
r  impious  tongues  blaspheme 
The  everlasting  Cod; 
Their  malice  blasts  the  good  man's  name, 
And  spreads  their  lies  abroad, 
•i.  The  tumults  of  my  thought 
Help  me  in  deep  suspense, 
'Till  to  thy  house  my  feet  were  brought, 
To  learn  thy  justice  thence. 

5.  Thy  word,  with  light  and  pow'r, 

Did  my  mistakes  amend  ; 
I  view'd  the  sinners'  life  hefore, 
But  here  I  learnt  their  end. 

6.  Lord,  at  thy  feet  I  bow  ; 

My  thoughts  no  more  repine. 

I  call  my  God  my  portion  now, 

And  all  my  pow'rs  are  thine. 

HYMN  86    cm. 

1.  T  ET  others  boast  how  strong  they  be, 
J-J  Nor  death  nor  danger  fear  ; 
"While  ^\e  confess.  0  Lord,  to  thee, 

What  feeble  things  we  are. 

2.  Fresh  as  the  crass  our  bodies  stand, 

And  flourish  bright  and  gay  : 
A  blasting  wind  sweeps  o'er  the  land. 
And  fades  the  grass  av  ay. 

3.  Our  life  contains  a  thousand  springs, 

And  dies  if  one  be  gone. 
Strange  !    that  a  harp  of  thousand  string 
Should  keep  in  tune  so  long. 
4. But  'tis  our  God  supports  our  frame, 
The  God  that  form'd  us  first. 
Salvation  to  th'  almighty  name, 
That  rear'd  us  from  the  dust. 
5.  While  we  have  breath,  or  life,  or  tongues. 
Our  Maker  well  adore. 
I  lis  spirit  moves  our  heaving  lungs, 
Or  they  would  breathe  no  DC 
E  $ 


5|  DIVINE  PROVIDENCE 

HYMN  87        m. 

l.TTPWARI)  I  lift  mine  eyes. 
^   From  God  is  all  my  aid ; 
The  God  who  built  the  skies, 
And  earth's  foundations  laid 
God  is  tbe  tow'r, 
To  which  I  fly  : 
His  grace  is  nigh 
In  ev'ry  hour. 
2.  My  feet  shall  never  slide 
Or  fall  in  fatal  snares  : 
Since  God,  my  guard  and  guide. 
Defends  me  from  my  fears. 
Those  wakeful  eyes. 
That  never  sleep, 
His  children  keep, 
When  dangers  rise. 
5.  No  burning  beats  by  day, 
Nor  blasts  of  ev'ning  air, 
Shall  take  my  health  away. 
If  God  be  with  me  there. 
Thou  art  my  sun, 
And  thou  my  shade, 
To  guard  my  head 
By  night  or  noon. 
k  Hast  thou  not  giv'n  thy  word, 
To  save  my  soul  from  death 
And  I  can  trust  tbe  Lord, 
To  keep  my  mortal  breath. 
I'll  go  and  come, 
Nor  fear  to  die  ; 
Till  from  on  high 
He  call  me  home. 

HYMN  88-  l.  m. 

f .  f  iMIEY,  that  have  made  their  refuge  God, 
A    Shall  find  a  most  secure  abode; 
Shall  walk  all  day  beneath  bis  Bhade, 
And  there  at  night  shall  nst  their  head. 

3.  If  burning  beams  of  noon  conspire 
To  dart  a  pestilential  6re  .• 


AND  uO\  ERNMfifti  I 

» lod  is  their  life  ;  his  wings  are  spread, 
To  shield  them  -midst  ten  thousand  dead. 
.  If  vapours  with  malignant  breath 
Rise  tiiick,  and  scatter  midnight  death: 
Still  they  are  safe;  the  poison'd  air 
Again  grows  pore,  if  God  he  there. 

4.  But  if  the  fire,  or  plague,  or  sword, 
Receive  commission  from  the.  Lord, 
To  strike  his  saints  among  the  rest  : 
Their  very  pains  and  deaths  are  hlest. 

5.  The  sword,  the  pestilence,  or  fire, 
Shall  but  fulfil  their  hest  desire  ; 
From  sins  and  sorrows  set  them  free. 
And  bring  thy  children,  Lord  !  to  thee. 

HYMN  89.  cm. 

l .   A  ND  art  thou  with  us,  gracious  Loni 
-£*■  To  dissipate  our  fear  ? 
Dost  tliou  proclaim  thyself  our  God, 

Our  God  for  ever  near? 
.  Doth  thy  right  hand,  which  form'd  the  earth. 

And  hears  up  all  the  skies, 
Stretch  from  on  high  its  friendly  aid, 

When  dangers  round  us  rise  ? 
And  wilt  thou  lead  our  weary  souls 

To  that  delightful  scene, 
Where  rivers  of  salvation  flow 

Through  pastures  evergreen  r 
;.  On  thy  support  our  souls  shall  lean. 

And  banish  e\  'ry  care  ; 
The  gloomy  vale  of  death  will  smile. 

If  God  he  with  us  there. 
5.  While  ve  his  gracious  succour  prove, 

'Midst  all  our  various  ways, 
The  darkest  shades,  thro'  which  \\  e  , 

Shall  echo  with  his  praise. 

HYMN  90    )••  m. 

1.  'TMIE  Lord  my  pasture  Bhall  prepare, 

A    And  feed  me  with  a  shepherd's  cat- 
His  presence  shall  my  wants  supply, 


;,6  DIVINE  PROVIDENCE 

And  guard  me  with  a  watchful  t  re  ; 
My  noon-day  walks  lie  shall  attend, 
And  all  my  midnight  hoars  defend. 

2.  When  on  the  sultry  glebe  I  faint, 
Or  on  the  thirsty  mountain  pant ; 
To  fertile  vales  and  dewy  meads 
My  weary  wand 'ring  steps  he  leads, 
Where  peaceful  rivers,  soft  and  slow, 
Amid  the  verdant  landscape  flow. 

3.  Though  in  a  bare  and  rugged  way, 
Through  devious  lonely  wilds  I  stray; 
Thy  bounty  shall  my  pains  beguile, 
The  barren  wilderness  shall  smile, 

With  sudden  greens  and  herbage  crown'd; 
And  streams  shall  murmur  all  around. 

4.  Though  in  the  paths  of  death  I  tread, 
With  gloomy  horrors  overspread  ; 
My  steadfast  heart  shall  fear  no  ill, 
For  thou,  O  Lord,  art  with  me  still ; 
Thy  friendly  crook  shall  give  me  aid, 
And  guide  me  through  the  dreadful  shade. 

HYMN  91.  c.  m. 

1.  ^HINE  on  our  souls,  eternal  God  ! 
^  With  rays  of  mercy  shine  : 

O  let  thy  favour  crown  our  days, 
And  their  whole  course  be  thine. 

2.  Did  we  not  raise  our  hands  to  thee, 

Our  hands  might  toil  in  vain  : 
Small  joys  success  itself  could  give, 
If  thou  thy  love  restrain. 

3.  JTis  ours1  the  furrows  to  prepare, 

And  sow  the  precious  grain  ; 
'Tis  thine,  to  give  the  sun  and  air. 
And  to  command  the  rain. 

4.  With  thee  let  e\  Yv  week  begin, 

Witji  thee  each  day  be  spent. 
For  thee  each  fleeting  hour  improv'd. 
Since  each  by  thee  is  lent. 

5.  Tims  cheer  us  thro'  this  toilsome  road, 

"Till  all  our  labours  cease; 


AM)  GOVEKNMfiNl  .  57 

And  thus  prepare  our  weary  souls 
For  everlasting  peace. 

HYMN  92    c.  if. 

In  travelling. 

1.  TJOAV  «W  thy  servants  blest,  O  Lord  J 
-**-  How  sure  is  their  defence  ! 
Eternal  wisdom  is  their  guide, 

Their  help  omnipotence. 

2.  In  foreign  realms  and  lands  remote, 

Supported  by  thy  care, 
They  past  unhurt  thro'  burning  clime.:, 
Aud  breathe  in  tainted  air. 
.  .  Thy  mci.  evVy  soil, 

Makes  er'ry  region  please. 
The  hoary  frozen  hills  it  warms, 
And  smooths  the  boist'rous  seas. 
4.  Tho'  by  the  dreadful  tempest   toss'd. 
High  on  the  broken  wave, 
They  know  thcu  art  not  slow  to  hear, 
Nor  impotent  to  save. 
5. The  storm  is  laid,  the  winds  retire. 
Obedient  to  thy 
Tli"  sea, that  roars  at  tin  c  )mman<1, 
thy  command  is  aill. 
i  all  my  griefs  Mid  straits,  O  Lord  ! 
Thy  mercy  sets  me  free  ; 
Whilst  in  the  confidence  of  pi 
My  heart  takes  hold  on  thee. 

7.  In  midst  of  dangers,  fear-,  and  deaths, 

Thy  goodness  I'll  adore  ; 
And  praise  thee  for  thy  mercies  past, 
And  humbly  hope  for  more. 

8.  My  life,  while  thou  preserv'sl  my  life, 

Thy  sacrifice  shall  he  ; 
And.  oh!  may  death,  when  death  shall  coin 

Unite  my  soul  to  thee  ! 


:8  MISSION  AND  NATIVITY 

HYMN  98.  c.  m. 

In  a  thunder-storm. 

1.  T  ET  coward  guilt,  with  pallid  fear, 
J-^  To  sheltering  caverns  fly  ; 

And  justly  dread  the  vengeful  fate, 
Which  thunders  through  the  sky  : 

2.  Protected  by  that  hand,  whose  law 

The  threatening  storms  obey, 
Intrepid  virtue  smiles  secure, 
As  in  the  blaze  of  day. 

3.  In  the  thick  cloud's  tremendous  gloom, 

The  lightning's  horrid  glare, 
It  views  the  same  all-gracious  jiowV 
Which  breathes  the  vernal  air. 

4.  Through  nature's  ever-varying  scene, 

By  d iff' rent  ways  pursu'd, 
The  one  eternal  end  of  heav'n 
Is  universal  good. 

5.  When,  through  creation's  vast  expanse, 

The  1m st  dread  thunders  roll, 
Untune  the  concord  of  the  spheres, 

And  shake  the  guilty  soul : 
fi.  Unmov'd  may  we  the  final  storm 

Of  jarring  worlds  survey, 
That  ushers  in  the  tranquil  morn 

Of  an  eternal  day. 

V 
MISSION"  AM)X  VTIYITY 
OF  CHRIST. 

HYMN  94,  c.  it. 

1.  TTAUK,  the  glad  sound,  the  Saviour  comes 
~n  The  Saviour  promisM  long  ! 

Let  ev'ry  heart  prepare  a  throne, 
And  ev"ry  voice  a  sung. 

2.  On  him  the  spirit  largely  ponr'd, 

Exerts  his  sacred  ore  j 


OF  CHRIST. 

Wisdom,  and  might,  and  zeal,  and  lost*. 
His  holy  breast  inspire. 

3.  He  comes  the  pris'ners  to  release, 

In  Satan's  bondage  held  : 
The  i^ates  of  brass  before  him  burst, 
The  iron  tetters  yield. 

4.  He  comes,  from  thickest  films  of  vice 

To  clear  the  mental  ray  ; 
And  on  the  eyes,  oppress'd  with  night. 

To  pour  celestial  day. 
5. He  comes,  the  broken  heart  to  bind, 

The  bleeding  soul  to  cure, 
And,  with  the  treasures  of  his  grace, 

T 'enrich  the  humble  poor. 
G.  Our  glad  hosannahs,  Prince  of  peace  ! 

Thy  welcome  shall  pioclaini; 
And  heav'ns  eternal  arches  ring 

With  thy  beloved  name. 

HYMN  95   s.  «. 

].  "D  A1SE  your  triumphant  song?, 
■*■*'  To  an  immortal  tune, 
Let  the  vide  earth  resound  the  deeds 
Celestial  grace  has  done. 
12.  Sing,  how  eternal  love 
Jt^  cl iief  beloved  chose, 
And  bade  him  raise  our  wretched  rac«- 
From  their  abyss  of  woes. 

3.  His  hand  no  thunder  bears  ; 

No  terror  clothes  his  brow  ; 
No  bolts  to  drive  our  guilty  souls 
To  fiercer  flames  below. 

4.  Twai  mercy  fill'd  the  throne, 

No  wrath  stood  frowning  by, 
When  Christ  was  sent  with  pardon  down 

To  rebels  doomM  to  die. 
~>.  Now  sinners,  dry  your  tears  ; 

Let  hopeless  sorrow  cease  ; 
Bow  to  the  sceptre  of  his  love, 

And  take  the  ofter'd  peace. 


H  MISSION  AND  NATIVITY 

HYMN  96.  c.  m. 

1.  f\X  Judah's  plains  as  shepherds  sat, 
"  Watcliing  their  flocks  by  night. 
The  angel  of  the  Lord  appear'd, 

Clad  in  celestial  light. 

2.  Awe-struck  the  vision  they  regard. 

Appall 'd  with  trembling  fear  ; 
When  thus  a  cherub- voice  divine 
Breath  \1  sweetly  on  their  ear : 
-».  "Shepherds  of  Judah  !  cease  your  fears, 
And  calm  your  troubled  mind  ; 
Glad  tidings  of  great  joy  I  bring 
To  you  and  all  mankind. 
'♦.This  day  almighty  love  fulfils 
Its  great  eternal  word  ; 
This  day  is  born  in  Bethlehem 
A  Saviour,  Christ  the  Lord. 
5.  There  shall  you  find  the  heav'nly  babe 
In  humblest  weeds  array'd  ; 
All  meanly  wrapp'd  in  swaddling  clothes, 
And  in  a  manger  laid.  " 
G.Hc  eeas'd,  and  sudden  all  around 
Appear'd,  a  radiant  throng 
Of  angels,  praising  Cod,  and  thus 
Warbling  their  choral  song  : 
".  "Glory  to  God,  from  whom  on  high 
All-gracious  mercies  flow  ! 
Who  fjends  his  heav'n-descended  p< 
To  dwell  with  man  below.  " 

HYMN  97.  p.  *. 

1.  TTARK  !  what  celestial  notes, 

•"-  What  melody  we  hear! 
Soft  00  the  morn  i*  Boats, 
And  fills  the  ravish'd 
The  tuneful  sh<  II, 
The  golden  lyre, 
\nd  vocal  choir 
The  concert  swell. 


OF  CHRIST. 
.  Ih'  angelic  hosts  descend, 

With  harmony  divine: 
See  how  from  heav'n  they  bend, 
And  in  lull  chorus  join. 
Fear  not,  say  they, 
Great  joy  ^e  bring  : 
Jesus,  your  King, 
Is  born  to  day. 
\  He  comes  from  error's  night 
Your  wand 'ring  feet  to  save  ; 
To  realms  of  bliss  and  light 
He  lifts  you  from  the  gi 
This  glorious  morn, 
(Let  all  attend!) 
Your  matchless  friend, 
Your  Saviour's  born. 
Glory  to  God  on  high  ! 

Ye  mortals,  spread  the  sound. 
And  let  your  raptures  fly 
To  earth's  remotest  bound  : 
For  peace  on  earth, 
From  God  in  heav'n, 
To  man  is  giv'n, 
At  Jesus'  birth. 

HYMN  98.  c  m. 

'"  TJIGH  let  us  swell  our  tuneful  note- 
■"■  And  join  th'  angelie  throng  ; 
For  angels  no  such  love  have  known, 
T'  awake  a  cheerful  song. 

2.  Good-will  to  guilty  men  is  shewn, 

And  peace  on  earth  is  giv'n  ; 
For  lo  !  th'  incarnate  Saviour  comes. 
With  messages  from  heav'n. 

3.  Justice  and  grace,  w  ith  sweet  accord, 

His  rising  beams  adorn  : 
Let  heav'n  and  earth  in  concert  join. 
Now  such  a  child  is  born. 
i.  Glory  to  God,  in  highest  strains, 
In  highest  worlds  be  paid  ! 
I 


MISSION  AND  NATIVm 
His  glory  by  our  lips  proclaim'd, 
And  by  our  lives  display'd  ! 
5.  When  shall  we  reach  those  blissful  realms 
Where  Christ  exalted  reigns, 
And  learn  of  the  celestial  choir 
Their  own  immortal  strains  ? 

HYMN  99.  c.  m. 

1 .  TOY  to  the  world  ;  the  Lord  is  come  ! 
«J    Let  earth  receive  her  King. 

Let  ev'ry  heart  prepare  him  room, 
And  heav'n  and  nature  sing. 

2.  Joy  to  the  earth;  the  Saviour  reigns  ! 

Let  men  their  songs  employ ; 
While  fields  and  Hoods,  rocks,  hills,  and  plains 
Repeat  the  sounding  joy. 

3.  No  more  let  sins  and  sorrows  grow, 

Nor  thorns  infest  the  ground. 
He  comes  to  make  his  blessiDgs  flow 
Far  as  the  curse  is  found. 

4.  He  rules  the  world  with  truth  and  grace, 

And  makes  the  nations  prove 
The  glories  of  his  righteousness, 
And  wonders  of  his  love. 

HYMN  100.  l.  m. 

1.  VI^ELCOME  the  hope  of  Israel's  race, 

*  ™     The  messenger  of  truth  and  gr;u  <   ' 
Your  hearts  in  righteousness  prepare  ; 
Behold  your  wish'd  redemption  near ! 

2.  See  glory  bursting  from  the  skies, 
O'er  .ludah's  land  effulgent  rise; 
And  fix  amidst  her  coasts  its  seat. 
Where  justice,  truth,  and  mercy  meet : 

3.  While  faith  and  hope,  their  offspring  dear 
Attendant  on  their  steps  appear] 

And  join'd  in  friendh  compact  move, 
Bless'd  with  philanthropy  and  love. 
<V.  Truth  in  thy  lands,  ()  earth  !  shall  spring; 
And  righteousness,  her  heuling  wing 


OF  CHRIST.  C.3 

Expanding,  downward  cast  her  eye  ; 
While  heav'n's  great  Monarch,  from  on  high. 

r>.  The  heathen  gloom  shall  chase  away, 
And  usher  in  a  glorious  day  ; 
And  from  his  own  propitious  will 
The  promis'd  grace  to  man  fulfil. 

HYMN  101.  l.  m. 

1.  "DRAISE  ye  the  Lord,  who  reigns  above, 
-*■     Fix'd  on  his  throne  of  truth  and  love  : 
Behold  the  finger  of  his  pow'r; 
Contemplate,  wonder,  and  adore. 

J.  A\  hen  man,  debas'd  and  guilty  man, 
From  crime  to  crime  with  madness  ran: 
Well  might  his  arm  its  thunders  launch, 
And  blast  th'  ungrateful,  root  and  branch. 

J.  But  clemency  with  justice  strove, 
To  save  the  people  of  his  love. 
**  Go,  my  beloved  Son  !"  he  cried, 
u  Be  thou  their  Saviour,  thou  their  guide.1-5 

•i.  The  eastern  star  with  glory  streams; 
It  comes,  with  healing  on  its  beams. 
Dark  mists  of  error  fleet  away, 
And  Judah  hails  the  rising  day. 

5.  1 1  is  sacred  memory  we  bless, 
Whose  holy  gospel  v .■<■  profess  ; 
And  praise  that  great  almighty  name, 
From  whom  such  light  and  favour  came. 

HYMN  102.  l.  m 

1.  f~pO  those  who  fear  and  trust  the  Lord, 
J-     His  merry  stands  for  ever  sure. 
From  age  to  age  his  promise  lives, 
And  the  performance  is  secure. 
C.  He  spake  to  Abr'ara  and  his  seed: 

"  In  thee  shall  all  the  world  be  bless  u  .'" 
The  mem'ry  of  that  ancient  word 
Lay  long  in  his  eternal  breast. 
3.  But  now  no  more  shall  Israel  wait; 
No  more  tin-  Gentiles  lie  forlorn. 
Lo  !  the  desire  of  nations  comes; 
Behold  !  the  promisM  seed  is  born. 


Gi  MISSION  AND  NATIVITY  Sea. 

HYMN  108   p.  m. 

1.  ^JONS  of  Adam  .'join  to  raise 
•^  Songs  of  gratitude  and  praise. 
Emulate  the  choirs  above ; 
Celebrate  eternal  love. 

t?.  Endless  ages  saw  (he  scheme; 
Endless  ages  sang  the  theme : 
Man,  in  God's  own  image  made, 
Honour,  glory  on  his  head. 

3.  Raptur'd,  all  the  sons  of  light 
Hail'd  the  moment,  mercy-bright, 
When  to  Jesus,  Lord  from  heav'n, 
Thus  the  glorious  charge  was  giv'n: 

•i. "  Go,  proclaim  Jehovah's  grace; 
Fear  destroy,  and  guilt  efface  ; 
Conquer  death,  unbar  the  grave  : 
Lo  !  they  work — the  world  to  savi •.* 

5.  Speak  yonr  pleasures,  happy  race. 
Objects  of  your  Father's  grace  ! 
All  the  family  of  earth 
Glory  in  your  Saviour's  birth  ! 

HYMN  104.  p.  m 

I.  /~1  IVE  thanks  to  God  most  high, 

*J   The  universal  Lord, 
The  sov'reign  King  of  kings  ; 
And  be  his  grace  ador'd. 
Mis  pow'r  and  grace 
Arc  still  the  same ; 
And  let  his  name 
Have  endless  praise. 
1  [e  saw  the  nations  lie 
All  perishing  in  sin, 
And  pitied  the  sad  state 
The  ru in M  world  was  in. 
Thy  mercy,  Lord, 
Shall  Still  endure; 
And  ever  sure 

Abides  thy  won!. 
.  He  sent  his  only  Son 
To  save  us  from  our  woe. 


OFFICE  AND  MEDIATION  &c.  05 

From  Satan,  sin.  and  death, 
And  ev'ry  hurtful  toe. 
His  pow'p  and  grace 
Are  still  the  same  ; 
And  let  his  name 
Have  endless  praise. 
4.  Give  thanks  aloud  to  God, 
To  God  the  heav'nly  King  ; 
And  let  the  spacious  earth 
Mis  works  and  glories  sing. 
Thy  mercy,  Lord, 
Shall  still  endure  ; 
Vnd  ever  sure 
Abide,  thy  word. 


VI. 

OFFICE  ANT)  MEDIATION 
OF  CHRIST. 


HYMN  105.  l,  m. 

I .  TMMORTAL  God  !  on  thee  we  call, 
-*  The  great  Original  of  all. 
From  thee  we  are,  to  thee  we  tend, 
Our  sure  support,  our  glorious  end. 

3.  We  praise  that  wise,  that  wondrous  grace. 
That  pitied  our  revolted  race, 
And  Jesus,  our  victorious  head, 
The  captain  of  salvation  made. 

3.  He,  thine  eternal  love  decreed, 
Should  many  sons  to  glory  lead  : 
And  sinful  worms  to  him  are  giv'n, 
A  colony  to  people  heav'n. 

4.  Jesus  for  us  (O  gracious  name  !) 
Encountered  agony  and  shame  ; 
Jesus,  the  glorious  and  the  great, 

V\  as  by  dire  sufferings  made  complete. 


OFFICE  AXD  MKDJATiOX 
".  A  scene  of  wonders  here  vie  Bee, 
Worthy  thy  Son,  and  worthy  thee  ; 
And,  while  this  theme  employs  our  tongues 
All  heav'n  unites  its  sweetest  songs. 

HYMN  106    l.  m. 

i.  HPH'  eternal  Soy'rcign  from  on  high. 
-*-     Cast  on  the  sons  of  men  his  e\  e, 

To  see,  if  any  understood, 

And  fear'd,  and  lov'd  their  Maker,  Cod. 
2.  But  all  were  so  degenerate  grow  n, 

None  the  true  Cod  had  fully  know  n 

Both  Jew  and  Gentile  long  had  beep 

By  lust  cnslav'd,  and  dead  in  sin. 
5.  Both  gone  from  wisdom's  path  astray, 

Pursu'd  the  errors  of  their  way, 

With  dismal  superstition  blijid  ; 

And  causeless  terrors  fillM  their  mind. 
4.  Who,  gracious  God  !  to  sinners'  eyes 

Could  bid  the  wish'd  salvation  lis.'  ; 

Thy  Son  did  light  and  truth  display, 

And  turn  their  darkness  into  day. 
j.  No  flesh  shall  boast  of  righteousness, 

But  guilty  shall  themselves  confess; 

And,  when  they  hear  thy  pard'ning  voice, 

In  thy  salvation  shall  rejoice. 

HYMN  107    l.  m 

1.  "DEHOLD,  the  blind  their  sight  receive  ! 

■*-*   Beheld,  the  dead  awake  and  live  ! 
The  dumb  speak  wonders,  and  the  lame 
Leap  like  the  hart,  and  bless  his  Dame. 

2.  Thus  cloth  th'  eternal  Spirit  own 
\nd  seal  the  mission  of  the  Son  ; 
The  Father  vindicates  his  cause, 
While  he  hangs  bleeding  on  the  cross. 

3.  He  dies  ;  the  heav'ns  in  mourning  stood  : 
He  rises,  and  appears  ■  God. 

Behold  the  Lord  ascending  high, 
No  more  to  bleed,  no  more  to  die. 


OF  CHBIST. 

i.  Hence,  and  for  ever,  from  my  heart 
I  bid  my  doubts  and  fears  depart ; 
And  to  those  hands  my  soul  resign, 
Which  bear  credentials  so  divine. 

HYMN  108.  l.  if. 

I.  \1TI1AT  works  of  wisdom,  pow'r  and  love, 
*  *     Do  Jesus'  high  commission  prove  ! 

Attest  his  heav'n-derived  claim, 

And  glorify  his  Father's  name  ! 
'2.  On  eyes  that  never  saw  the  day, 

He  pours  the  bright  celestial  ray  ; 

And  deafen'd  ears,  by  him  unbound, 

Catch  all  the  harmony  of  sound. 

3.  Lameness  takes  up  its  bed,  and  goes 
Rejoicing  in  the  strength  that  flows 
Through  ev'ry  nerve  ;  and  free  from  pain, 
Pours  forth  to  God  the  grateful  strain. 

4.  The  shatterM  mind  his  word  restores, 
And  tunes  afresh  the  mental  pow'rs; 
The  dead  revive,  to  life  return, 

And  bid  affection  cease  to  mourn. 

5.  Canst  thou,  my  soul,  these  wonders  trace, 
And  not  admire  Jehovah's  grace  ? 
Canst  thou  behold  thy  Saviour's  pow'r, 
Ami  not  believe,  obey,  adore  r 

HYMN  109.  l.  m. 

1 .  nnO  thee,  O  God  !  we  homage  pay, 

-*-    Source  of  the  light  that  rules  the  day  ! 

Who,  while  he  gilds  all  nature's  frame, 
Reflects  thy  rays,  and  speaks  thy  name. 

2.  In  louder  strains  we  sing  that  grace, 
Which  gives  the  sun  of  righteousness, 
Whose  nobler  light  salvation  brings, 
And  scatters  healing  from  his  wings. 

3.  Still  on  our  hearts  may  Jesus  shine 
With  beams  of  light  and  love  divineT 
Quieken'd  by  him,  our  souls  shall  live. 
And,  cheer'd  by  him,  shall  grow  and  thrive, 


08  OFFICE  AND  MEDIATION 

4.  O  may  his  glories  stand  eonfess'd, 
From  north  to  south,  from  east  to  west 
Successful  may  his  gospel  run, 
Wide  as  the  circuit  of  the  sun. 

5.  When  shall  that  radiant  scene  arise, 
When,  fix'd  on  high,  in  purer  skies. 
Christ  all  his  lustre  shall  display 

On  all  his  saints  through  endless  day  ! 

HYMN  110.  i-  m. 

1.  npHOU,  Lord,  by  mortal  eyes  unseen, 
-*■    And  hy  thy  offspring  here  unknown, 
To  manifest  thyself  to  men, 

{lust  set  thine  image  in  thy  Son. 
<2.  As  the  bright  sun's  meridian  blaze 

O'eru  helms  and  pains  our  feeble  sight, 
But.  cheers  us  with  his  softer  rays, 
When  shining  with  reflected  light; 
5.  So  in  thy  Son,  thy  pow'r  divine, 

Thy  wisdom,  justice,  truth  and  love, 
With  mild  and  pleasing  lustre?  shine, 
11   .    ct   d  from  thy  throne  above. 

4.  Though  Jews,  who  granted  not  his  claim. 

Contemptuous  turn'd  away  their  face  ; 
Yet  those,  who  trusted  in  his  name, 
Beheld  in  him  thy  truth  and  grace. 

5.  O  thou  !  at  whose  almighty  word 

Fair  Light  at  first  from  darkness  shone. 
Teach  us  to  know  our  glorious  Lord, 

And  trace  the  Father  in  the  Son. 
G.  While  wc  thine  image,  here  display'd. 

With  love  and  admiration  view; 
Form  as  in  likeness  to  our  head, 

That  we  may  bear  thy  image  too. 

HYMN  111        if. 

1.  TTOW  beauteous  are  their  feet, 
-*-*    Who  stand  on  Zion's  hill  ! 
Who  bring  salvation  on  then-  tongues. 
And  words  of  peace  reveal. 


OF  GURIS1 

J.  How  charming  is  their  voice  ! 
How  sweet  the  tidings  are! 
"  Zion.  behold  thy  Saviour  King; 
';  He  reigns  and  triumphs  here/7 

S.  How  happy  are  our  ears, 

That  bear  this  joyful  sound, 
Which  kings  and  prophets  waited  for, 
And  sought,  but  never  found  ! 

4.  How  blessed  are  our  eyes, 

Tb at  see  this  heav'nly  light ! 
Prophets  and  kings  desir'd  it  long, 
But  died  without  the  sight. 

5.  The  watchmen  join  their  voice, 

And  tuneful  notes  employ  ; 
Jerusalem  breaks  forth  in  songs, 

And  deserts  learn  the  joy. 
Lord  makes  bare  his  arm 

Thro1  all  the  earth  abroad; 
Let  e\Yv  nation  now  behold 

Their  Saviour  and  their  God. 

HYMN  112    s.  m 

1.  T>EHOLD,  the  Prince  of  peace' 
JJ  The  chosen  of  the  Lord, 
God's  well-beloved  Son,  fulfils 

The  sure  prophetic  word. 

2.  No  royal  pomp  adorns 

This  King  of  righteousness: 
Meekness  and  patience,  truth  and  lov< 

Compose  his  princely  dress. 
S.Jesus,  thou  light  of  men  ! 

Thy  doctrine  life  imparts, 
O  may  we  feel  its  quick 'ning  powY 

To  warm  and  glad  our  hearts  ! 
er'd  by  its  beams,  our  souls 

Shall  run  the  heav'nly  way. 
The  path  which  Christ  unwearied  trod. 

Will  lead  to  endless  day. 

HYMN  118   l.  m. 

1 .  "^OW  to  the  Lord  a  noble  son-  ! 
-^    \w:iko  mv  soul,  awake  my  tonpu  . 


OFFICE  AND  MEDIATION 

Hosannah  to  th'  eternal  name, 

And  all  his  boundless  love  proclaim. 

2.  See  where  it  shines  in  Jesus'  face, 
The  brightest  image  of  his  grace  ! 
God,  in  the  person  of  his  Son, 
Has  all  his  noblest  works  outdone. 

3.  The  spacious  earth  and  spreading  flood 
Proclaim  the  wise  and  pow'rful  God ; 
And  thy  rich  glories,  from  afar, 
Sparkle  in  ev'ry  rolling  star. 

4.  But  in  thy  Son  a  glory  shines, 
Drawn  out  in  far  superior  lines ; 
The  lustre  of  redeeming  grace 
Outshines  the  beams  of  nature's  face. 

5.  Grace  !  'tis  a  sweet,  a  charming  theme  ; 
My  thoughts  rejoice  at  Jesus'  name. 
Ye  angels,  dwell  upon  the  sound  ! 

Ye  heav'ns,  reflect  it  to  the  ground  ! 

6.  O  may  I  reach  that  happy  place, 
Where  he  unveils  his  lovely  face  ! 
Where  all  his  saints  from  death  restored, 
Shall  be  forever  with  the  Lord. 

HYMN  114    p.  m. 

1.  TOIN  all  the  glorious  names 
«J    Of  wisdom,  love,  and  powV. 
That  ever  mortals  knew, 
That  angels  ever  bore  : 
All  are  too  mean 

To  speak  his  worth  ; 
Too  mean  to  set 
My  Saviour  forth. 
_\  Hut  O  what  gentle  terms, 
What  condescending  wax  Bt 
Doth  our  Redeemer  use. 
To  teach  his  heav'nh  grace 
Mine  eyes  with  joy 
And  wonder  see, 
What  forms  of  love 
He  hears  for  mi 


OF  CHRIST. 

},  Ana\  "d  in  mortal  flesh, 

He  like  an  angel  stands. 

And  holds  the  promises 

And  pardons  in  his  nan 

Commissioned  from 

His  Father's  throne, 
To  make  his  grace- 
To  mortals  known. 
f.  Great  Prophet  of  my  God  ! 

My  tongue  would  bless  thv  nai 
By  thee  the  joyful  news 
Of  our  salvation  came  : 
The  joyful  news 
Of  sin  forgiv'n, 
Of  hell  subdu'd, 
And  peace  with  !•• 

HYMN  115   p.  ii. 

.  Al^iril  ccstacy  of  joy 

*  *      Extol  his  glorious  name. 
Who  rear'd  the  spacious  earth, 
Vnct  rals'd  our  mortal  frame. 
He  built  the  church, 

Who  spread  the  sky  : 
Shout  and  exalt 
His  honours  high. 

2.  See  the  foundation  laid 

By  pow'r  and  love  divine  ; 
Jesus,  his  first  born  Son, 

How  bright  his  glories  shine  ! 
Low  he  descends, 
In  dust  he  lies, 
That  from  his  tomb 
A  church  might  lis  - 

3.  But  he  for  ever  lives, 

Nor  for  himself  alone  ; 
Each  saint  new  life  derives 
From  him,  the  living  ston~. 
His  influence  spreads 

Through  ev'ry  soul. 
And  in  one  house 

.  hole* 


OFFICE  AND  MEDIATION 
i.To  him  with  joy  we  move; 

in  him  cemented  stand  ; 
The  living  temple  grows, 
i  And  owns  the  founder's  hand. 
That  structure,  Lord, 

Still  higher  raise, 
Louder  to  sound 
Its  builder's  praise. 

HYMN  116.  p.  m. 

1.  \\7E  sing  the  wise,  the  gracious  plan, 

*  *     Wliich  God  devis'd,  ere  time  began  . 

At  length  disclos'd  in  all  its  light ; 
We  bless  the  wondrous  birth  of  love, 
Which  beams  around  us  from  above, 

With  grace  so  free  and  hope  so  bright. 

2.  Here  has  the  wise  eternal  mind 

In  Christ,  their  common  head,  conjoin'd 

Gentiles  and  Jews,  and  earth  and  heav'n. 
Through  him,  from  the  great  Father's  throne. 
Rivers  of  bliss  come  rolling  down, 

And  endless  peace  and  life  are  giv'n. 
,j.  No  more  the  awful  cherubs  guard 
The  tree  of  life  with  naming  sword, 

To  drive  afar  man's  trembling  rate, 
At  Salem's  pearly  gates  they  stand, 
And  smiling  wait,  a  friendly  band, 

To  welcome  strangers  to  the  place. 
i.  While  we  expect  that  glorious  sight, 
Love  shall  our  hearts  with  theirs  unite, 

And  ardent  hope  our  bosoms  raise. 
From  earth's  low  cottages  of  clay, 
To  those  resplendent  realms  of  day, 

We'll  try  to  send  the  sounding  praise- 

HYMN  117.  c,  m 

1.  O  ALVATION,  0  the  joyful  sound  ! 
^   Tia  music  to  our  ears; 
A  sov'reign  balm  for  evYy  wound, 
A  cordial  for  our  fears. 
J.  Buried  in  sorrow  and  in  sin, 
At  hell's  dark  door  w  e  lav  : 


OF  CHRIST. 

But  we  arise  by  grace  divine, 

'J'o  see  a  hcav'uly  day. 
3  Solvation  !  let  the  echo  fly 

The  spacious  earth  around  ; 
While  all  the  armies  of  the  skv 

Conspire  to  raise  the  sound. 

CHORUS. 

Glory,  honour,  praise,  and  power. 
Be  unto  the  Lamb  for  ever  ! 
Jesus  Christ  is  our  Redeemer  ! 
Hallelujah  !  praise  the  Lord  ! 

HYMN  118.  l.  m. 

1.    A  LL-GLORIOUS  God  !  what  hymns  of  praise 

-£*-  Shall  our  transported  voices  raise  ? 

What  ardent  love  and  zeal  are  due, 

While  heav'n  stands  open  to  our  view  ! 
3.  Once  we  were  fall'n,  and  O  how  low  ! 

Just  on  the  brink  of  hopeless  wo  ! 

When  Jesus,  from  the  realms  abo\c, 

Borne  on  the  wings  of  boundless  love, 
3,  Scatter'd  the  shades  of  death  and  night. 

And  spread  around  his  heav'nly  light. 

By  him  what  wondrous  grace  is  shown 

To  souls  impov'ri.sh'd  and  undone  ! 
t.  Far,  far  beyond  these  mortal  shores, 

A  bright  inheritance  is  ours; 

Where  saints  in  light  our  coming  wail. 

To  share  their  holy  happy  state. 

HYMN  119.  p.  m. 

1 .  VOW  I  have  found  the  ground  wherein 
-*^    Sure  my  soul's  anchor  may  remain  : 
The  love  of  God  forgiving  sin, 
Through  Jesus  crucified  and  slain. 

His  mercy  shall  unshaken  slay, 
When  heav'n  and  earth  have  pass'd 

2.  Father  !  thine  everlasting  grace 
Our  scanty  thought  surpasses  far; 
Thine  heart  still  melts  with  ten  dern  <-«*.. 
Thine  arms  of  love  still  open  ar^  ; 

n 


OFFICE  AND  MEDIATION 

And  Jesus'  Mood,  through  earth  and  skies, 

.Mercy,  free,  boundless  mercy,  cries. 
5.  Tho'  waves  and  storms  go  o'er  my  head, 

Tho'  strength  and  health  and  friends  be  gone. 

Tho' joys  be  wither'd  all  and  dead, 

Tho'  ev'ry  comfort  be  withdrawn  : 

On  this  my  steadfast  soul  relies, 

Father,  thy  mercy  never  dies, 
f.  Fix'd  on  this  ground  will  1  remain, 

Tho'  my  heart  fail  and  strength  decay. 

This  anchor  shall  my  soul  sustain, 

When  earth's  foundations  melt  away. 

Mercy's  full  pow'r  I  then  shall  prove, 

Lov'd  with  an  everlasting  Inve. 

HYMN  120.  Pi  m. 

J .  f^NE  there  is,  above  all  others, 
^^  Well  deserves  the  name  of  friend: 
His  is  love  beyond  a  brother's, 

Costly,  free,  and  knows  no  end. 
They  who  his  salvation  prove, 
Find  it  even-lasting  love. 

2.  Which  of  all  our  friends,  to  save  us, 

Could  or  would  have  shed  his  blood  ? 
But  this  Saviour  died  to  have  us 

Reconciled  in  him  to  Cod. 
ft  was  boundless  love,  to  bleed: 
Jesus  is  a  friend  indeed. 

3.  When  he  liv'd  on  earth  abased, 

Friend  of  sinners,  was  his  name. 
Now,  nbove  all  glory  raised, 

He  rejoices  in  the  same. 
Still  he  calls  them  brethren,  friends, 
And  to  all  their  wants  attends. 
i.  Oh  !  for  grace  our  hearts  to  soften  ! 

Teach  us,  Lord,  at  length  to  love. 
We,  alas  !  forget  too  often, 

What  :i  friend  we  have  above. 

When  to  heav'n  our  souls  are  brought 
We  will  love  thee  as  we  ought 


op  amis  i .  r:. 

HYMN  121    e.it. 

1.  'VfCW  begin  the  heav'nly  theme, 
-^    Sing  aloud  in  Jesus'  name  ! 
Ye,  who  his  salvation  prove, 
Triumph  in  redeeming  love. 

2.  Ye,  who  see  the  Father's  grace, 
Beaming  in  the  Saviour's  face, 
As  to  heav'n  ye  onward  move, 
Triumph  in  redeeming  love. 

3.  Mourning  souls!  dry  up  your  tears  j 
Banish  all  your  guilty  fears. 

See  your  guilt  and  care  remove, 
Cancell'd  by  redeeming  love. 

4.  Ye,  alas  !  who  lona;  have  been 
Willing  slaves  of  death  and  sin  ! 
Now  from  bliss  no  longer  rove  ; 
Stop,  and  taste  redeeming  love. 

5.  Christ  suhdu'd  th'  infernal  pow'rs; 
His  tremendous  foes,  and  our's, 
From  their  cursed  empire  drove, 
Mighty  in  redeeming  love. 

6.  Hither  then  your  music  bring  ; 
Strike  aloud  the  joyful  string. 
Mortals  .'join  the  host  above, 
Join  to  praise  redeeming  love. 

HYMN  n%-  v.  m. 

1.  pOME,  said  Jesus'  sacred  voice, 

^   Come,  and  make  my  paths  your  choid 
I  will  guide  you  to  your  home  ! 
Weary  pilgrim,  hither  come  ! 

2.  Thou,  who,  houseless,  sole,  forlorn, 
Long  hast  borne  the  proud  world's  scorn. 
Long  hast  roam'd  the  barren  waste : 
Wear;,  pilgrim,  hither  haste  ! 

].  Ye,  who,  tossM  on  beds  of  pain, 
Seek  for  ease,  but  seek  in  vain : 
N  e,  whose  swoll'o  and  sleepless  I  l 
Watch  to  see  the  morning  riae  • 


OFFICE  AXD  MEDIATION 

4.  Yc,  by  fiercer  anguish  torn, 

Guilt,  in  strong  remorse,  who  mourn  : 
Here  repose  your  heavy  care  : 
Conscience  wounded  who  can  bear  ? 

5.  Sinner,  come  !  for  here  is  found 
Balm  that  flows  for  ev'rv  wound; 
Peace  that  ever  shall  endure ; 
Kest  eternal,  sacred,  sure. 

HYMN  128.  s.  m. 

1.  T  ET  ev'ry  ear  attend, 

-*-*  And  ev'rv  heart  rejoice  ; 
The  trumpet  of  the  gospel  sounds, 
"With  an  inviting  voice. 

2.  Ho  !  all  ye  starving  souls, 

That  feed  upon  the  wind, 
And  vainly  strive  with  earthly  toys. 
To  fill  an  empty  mind: 

3.  Here  wisdom  has  prepar'd 

A  soul-reviving  feast, 
And  bids  your  longing  appetites 
The  rich  provision  taste. 

4.  Ho  !  ye  that  pant  for  streams, 

And  pine  away  and  die : 
Here  you  may  quench  your  raging  thir&i 
With  springs  that  never  dry. 

[>.  Rivers  of  mercy  here 
In  a  rich  ocean  join: 
Salvation  in  abundance  flows, 
Like  floods  of  milk  and  wine. 
0.  The  gates  of  gospel  grace 
Stand  open  night  and  day  ; 
Lord  !  we  arc  come  to  seek  supplies, 
And  drive  our  wants  away. 

HYMN  124.  l.  m. 

1."  #~10ME  hither,  all  ye  weary  souls  ! 
^   Ye  heavy  laden  sinners  !  come  : 
I'll  give  you  rest  from  all  your  toils, 
And  raise  you  to  my  heav'nly  110010.''' 


OF  CHRIST. 

I  hey  shall  find  rest,  that  learn  of  me  ; 
Tin  of  a  meek  and  lowly  mind  : 
But  passion  rages  like  the  sea, 

And  pride  is  restless  as  the  wind." 
3.  u  Bless'd  is  the  man,  whose  shoulders  take 
My  yoke,  and  bear  it  with  delight ! 
My  yoke  is  easy  to  his  neck  ; 

My  grace  shall  make  the  burden  light." 
i.  Jesus  !  we  come  at  thy  command, 

With  faith,  and  hope,  and  humble  zeal ; 
Resign  our  spirits  to  thy  hand, 

To  mould  and  guide  us  at  thy  will. 

HYMN"  125    l.  m. 

1.  /^lOME,  weary  souls,  with  sin  distrest, 
^   Come,  and  accept  the  promis'd  rest; 
The  Saviour's  gracious  call  obey, 

And  cast  your  gloomy  fears  aw  ay. 

2.  Oppress'd  with  guilt,  a  painful  load, 

O  come,  and  spread  your  woes  abroad. 
Divine  compassion,  mighty  love 
Will  all  the  painful  load  remove. 

3.  Here  mercy's  boundless  ocean  flows, 

To  cleanse  your  guilt  and  heal  your  woes  ; 
Pardon,  and  life,  and  e|  id  less  peace  ; 
How  rich  the  gift  f  how  free  the  trace  ! 
j-.  Lord,  we  accept,  with  thankful  heart, 
The  hope  thy  gracious  words  impart. 
We  come  with  trembling,  yet  rejoice. 
And  bless  thy  kind  inviting  voice. 

HYMN  126   c.  m. 

1,  npHE  Saviour  calls  ;  let  ev'ry  ear 

A    Attend  the  heav'nly  sound. 
Ye  doubting  souls  !  dismiss  your  fear  ; 
Hope  smiles  reviving  round. 

2.  For  ev'ry  thirsty  longing  heart, 

Here  streams  of  bounty  now  ; 
\nd  life,  and  health,  and  Miss  impart. 
To  banish  mortal  wo. 
I 


78  OFFICE  AND  MEDIATION  &c. 

3.  Here  springs  of  sacred  pleasure  rise, 
To  ease  your  ev'ry  pain  : 
Immortal  fountain  !  full  supplies! 
Nor  shall  you  thirst  in  vain, 
i.  Ye  sinners  !  come,  'tis  mercy's  voice. 
The  gracious  call  obey. 
Mercy  invites  to  heav'nly  joys : — 
And  can  you  yet  delay  r 
5.  Dear  Saviour  !  draw  reluctant  hearts ; 
To  thee  let  sinners  fly  ; 
And  take  the  bliss  thy  love  imparts, 
And  drink,  and  never  die. 

HYMN  127    o.  m. 

1.  rpiiE  King  of  heav'n  his  table  spreads, 

J-    And  dainties  crown  the  board. 
Not  all  the  boasted  joys  of  earth 
Could  such  delight  afford. 

2.  Pardon  and  peace  to  dying  men, 

And  endless  life  are  giy'fl  ; 
And  the  rich  blood,  which  Jesus  shed, 
To  raise  the  soul  to  heav'n. 

3.  Ye  hungry  poor,  who  long  have  stray  Vi 

In  sin's  dark  mazes,  come  ; 
Come  from  the  hedges  and  highways, 

And  grace  will  find  you  room, 
i.  Thousands  of  souls,  in  glory  now, 

Were  fed  and  feasted  here  ; 
And  thousands  more,  still  on  the.  way. 

Around  the  board  appear. 
5.  Yet  is  his  house  and  heart  so  large, 

That  thousands  more  may  come ; 
Nor  could  the  wide  assembling  world 

O'erfill  the  spacious  room. 
G.  All  things  are  ready  :  enter  in, 

Nor  weak  excuses  frame, 
Come,  take  your  places  at  the  feast, 

And  bless  the  founder's  name. 


EXAMPLE  OP  CHRIST. 

VII. 

EXAMPLE  OF  CHRIST. 

HVM\  128    l.  m.      « 

1.  A  f"Y  dear  Redeemer,  and  my  Lord  ' 

■*•**•  I  read  my  duty  in  thy  word  : 

Rut  in  thy  life  the  law  appears, 

Drawn  out  in  living  characters. 
J.  Such  was  thy  truth,  and  such  thy  zeal, 

Such  defrence  to  thy  Father's  will, 

Thy  love  and  meekness  so  divine, 

I  would  transcribe  and  make  them  mine 

3.  Cold  mountains  and  the  midnight  air 
Witness'd  the  fervour  ot*  thy  pray'r: 
The  desert  thy  temptations  knew, 
Thy  conflict  and  thy  vict'ry  too  ! 

-i.  Re  thou  my  pattern  ;  let  me  bear 
.More  of  thy  gracious  image  here. 
Then  God  the  Judge  shall  own  my  name 
Among  the  folPwers  of  the  Lamb. 

HYMN  129.  l.  m. 

1.    \  XI)  is  the  gospel  peace  and  love  ? 

-£*-  Such  let  our  conversation  be  ; 

The  serpent  blended  with  the  dove, 

"Wisdom  and  meek  simplicity. 

J.  "Whene'er  the  angry  passions  rise, 

And  tempt  our  thoughts  or  tongues  to  strife, 
On  Jesus  let  us  fix  our  eyes, 

Bright  pattern  of  the  Christian  life. 
o.  O  how  benevolent  and  kind  ! 

How  mild  !  how  ready  to  forgive  ! 
Be  this  the  temper  of  our  mind, 

And  these  the  rules  by  which  we  live. 

4.  To  do  his  heav'nly  Father's  will, 

Was  his  employment  and  delight : 
Humility  and  holy  zeal 

Shone  thro'  his  life  divinely  bright. 


m  EXAMPLE  OF  CHRIST. 

5.  Dispensing  good  where'er  he  came, 

The  labours  of  his  life  were  love. 

[f  then  we  love  the  Saviour's  name, 

Let  his  divine  example  move  ! 

HYMN  ISO.  c.  m. 

1.  TJEHOLD,  where  in  a  mortal  form 
■*-*  Appears  each  grace  divine  ! 
The  virtues,  all  in  .lesus  met, 
With  mildest  radiance  shine. 
'2.  To  spread  the  rays  of  heav'nly  light, 
To  give  the  mourner  joy, 
To  preach  glad  tidings  to  the  poor, 
Was  his  divine  employ. 
3.  Lowly  in  heart,  to  all  his  friends 
A  friend  and  servant  found, 
He  wash'd  their  feet,  he  wip'd  their  tears. 
And  heal'd  each  bleeding  wound, 
i.  'Midst  keen  reproach  and  cruel  scorn. 
Patient  and  meek  he  stood. 
His  foes,  ungrateful,  sought  his  life  ; 
He  labour'd  for  their  good. 
5.  To  God  he  left  his  righteous  cause, 
And  still  his  task  pursu'd  ; 
"While  humble  prav'r  and  holy  faith 
His  fainting  strength  renew 'd. 
fi.  In  the  last  hours  of  deep  distress, 
Before  his  Father's  throne, 
With  soul  resign'd  he  bow'd,  and  said, 
"  Thy  will,  not  mine,  be  done  !" 
7.  Be  Christ  our  pattern  and  our  guide  ! 
His  image  may  we  bear  ! 
O  may  we  tread  his  holy  steps, 
His  joy  and  glory  share  ! 

HYMN  181.  i.  m. 

1.  V1THEN  Jesus  dwelt  in  mortal  clay, 

*  *     What  were  his  works  from  day  to  day, 
But  miracles  of  pow'r  and  grace, 
Which  spread  salvation  thro1  our  race  ? 


EXAMPLE  OF  CHRIST.  si 

J.  Teach  us,  O  Lord  !  to  keep  in  view 

Thy  pattern,  and  thy  steps  pursue. 

Let  alms  bestow 'd,  let  kindness  done 

lie  witness'd  by  each  rolling  sun. 
i.  That  man  may  last,  but  never  lives, 

Who  much  receives,  but  nothing  gives, 

Whom  none  can  love,  whom  none  can  thank, 

Creation's  blot,  creation's  blank. 
i.  But  he,  who  marks  from  day  to  day 

In  gen'rous  acts  his  radiant  way, 

Treads  the  same  path  bib  Saviour  trod, 

The  path  to  glory  and  to  God. 

HYMN  182.  cm. 

1.  /^  OD  of  my  mercy  and  my  praise! 
^-"   Thy  glory  is  my  song ; 

Though  sinners  speak  against  thy  grace 
"With  a  blaspheming  tongue. 

2.  When  in  the  form  of  mortal  man 

Thy  Son  on  earth  was  found, 
With  cruel  slanders,  taise  and  vain, 

They  compass'd  him  around. 
;.  Their  mis'ries  his  compassion  mov'd; 

Their  peace  he  still  pursu'd  : 
They  render'd  hatred  For  his  love, 

And  evil  for  his  good, 
i.  Their  malice  rag'd  without  a  cause; 

Yet  with  his  dying  breath 
He  pray'd  for  murd'rers  on  his  cross", 

And  bless'd  his  foes  in  death. 
5.  O  may  his  conduct,  all-divine, 

To  me  a  model  prove! 
Like  his,  O  God !  my  heart  incline 

My  enemies  to  love. 

HYMN  TSS.  l.  m. 

!.'•  RATHER  divine,"  the  Saviour  cried, 
-*■     While  horrors  press'd  on  ev'ry  side, 
Vnd  prostrate  on  the  ground  he  lay, 
•  Remove  this  bitter  cup  away." 


SUFFERINGS  AND  DEATH 

i2.  "  But  if  these  pangs  must  still  be  borne, 
And  stripes,  and  wounds,  and  cruel  scorn, 
I  bow  my  soul  before  thy  throne, 
And  say,  Thy  will,  not  mine,  be  done." 

3.  Thus  our  submissive  souls  would  bow, 
And,  taught  by  Jesus,  lie  as  low. 
Our  hearts,  and  not  our  lips  alone, 
AVould  say,  "  Thy  will,  not  ouV's  be  done." 

\.  Then,  though  like  him  in  dust  we  lie, 
We'll  view  the  blissful  moment  nigh, 
Which,  from  our  portion  in  his  pains, 
('alls  to  the  joy  in  which  he  reigns. 


VIII 

SUFFERINGS  AND  DEATH 

OF  CHRIST. 

HYMN  134   s.  m. 

AUTHOR  of  life  and  bliss ! 
Thy  goodness  1  adore. 
O  give  me  strength  to  speak  thy  praise, 
And  grace  to  love  thee  more  ! 

2.  First  for  this  world,  so  fair, 

My  daily  thanks  shall  rise  ; 
For  ev'ry  comfort,  ev'ry  joy, 
Thy  bounteous  hand  supplies. 

3.  But  yet  a  nobler  cause 

Demands  my  warmest  love. 
Can  words  describe  the  wondrous  gilt 
Descending  from  above  ? 
i.  The  Saviour  dwelt  on  earth  ; 
Jfe  died,  that  we  might  li\e; 
KndurM  the  sorrows  of  the  cross, 
Immortal  hope  to  give. 
>.  Ah  who  can  tell  (he  scorn, 
The  dear  Redeemer  bore  ? 


OF  CHRIST.  85 

Or  who  describe  the  mental  griet. 
Which  his  blest  bosom  tore  ? 
G.  Lot*-  in  the  grave  he  lay, 

While  darkness  veil'd  the  skies. 
But  lo  ! — he  bursts  the  bands  of  deatli ; 
To  glory  see  him  rise  ! 
7.  Father  !  this  work  is  thine  ; 
For  us  thou  gav'st  thy  Son. 
O  may  we  all  devoted  be 
And  live  to  thee  alone  ! 

HYMN  135    c  m. 

1.  "  "V^OW,  in  the  hour  of  deep  distress. 

-^    My  God,  support  thy  Son. 
When  horrors  dark  my  soul  oppress, 
O  leave  me  not  alone  !"' 

2.  Thus  did  our  suff 'ring  Saviour  pray. 

With  mighty  cries  and  tears. 
God  heard  him  in  that  dreadful  day. 
And  chas'd  away  his  fears. 

3.  Great  was  the  virt'ry  of  his  death  : 

His  throne  exalted  stands ; 

And  all  the  nations  of  the  earth 

Shall  bow  to  his  commands. 

4.  The  meek  and  humble  souls  shall  see 

His  table  richly  spread  ; 
And  all,  that  seek  the  Lord,  shall  be 
With  joys  immortal  fed  ! 

HYMN  186.  l.  m. 

1.  flOM£,  let  our  mournful  songs  record 
^  The  dying  sorrows  of  our  Lord. 
When  he  expir'd  in  shame  and  blood, 
Like  one  forsaken  of  his  God. 

5.  The  Jews  beheld  him  thus  forlorn, 

And  shook  their  heads,  and  laugh 'd  in  Score  . 
"  He  rescuM  others  from  the  grave  ; 
Now  let  him  try  himself  to  save." 
*.  O  harden'd  people  !  cruel  priests  ! 

How  they  stood  round  like  savage  beasti 


Si  SUFFERINGS  AND  DEATH 

Like  lions  gaping  to  devour, 

When  God  had  left  him  in  their  pow'r ! 

4.  They  wound  his  head,  his  hands,  his  feet, 
'Till  streams  of  hlood  each  other  meet ; 
By  lot  his  garments  they  divide, 

And  mock  the  pangs  in  which  he  died. 

5.  But,  gracious  God  !  thy  pow'r  and  love 
Have  made  his  death  a  hlessing  prove. 
Tho'  once  upon  the  cross  he  hied, 
Immortal  honours  crown  his  head. 

6.  Thro'  Christ  thy  Son  our  guilt  forgive, 
And  let  the  mourning  sinner  live  ! 
The  Lord  will  hear  us  in  his  name  ; 
Nor  shall  our  hope  be  turn'd  to  shame. 

HYMN  137.  l.  m. 

1.  'HP  WAS  for  our  sake,  eternal  God, 

-■     Thy  Son  sustain'd  that  heavy  load 
Of  base  reproach  and  sore  disgrace, 
And  shame  defil'd  his  sacred  face. 

2.  The  Jews,  his  brethren  and  his  kin, 
Abus'd  him  when  he  check'd  their  sin : 
While  he  fulfill 'd  thy  holy  laws, 
They  hate  him,  but  without  a  cause. 

3.  Zeal  for  the  temple  of  his  God 
Consum'd  his  life,  expos'd  his  blood  ; 
Reproaches  at  thy  glory  thrown 

He  felt,  and  mourn 'd  them  as  his  own. 

4.  His  friends  forsook,  his  foll'wers  fled, 
While  foes  and  arms  surround  his  head. 
They  nail  him  to  the  shameful  tree ; 
There  hung  my  Lord,  who  died  for  me. 

5.  But  God  his  Father  heard  his  cry ; 
Rais'd  from  the  dead,  he  reigns  on  high: 
The  nations  learn  his  righteousness, 
And  humble  sinners  taste  his  grace. 

HYMN  138-  cm. 

J.  HP  HE  Saviour,  what  a  noble  flame 
J      Was  kindled  in  his  breast, 
When,  hasting  to  Jerusalem, 
H<   march'd  before  the  rest  ! 


OF  CHRIST.  83 

'2.  Good-will  to  men  and  zeal  for  God 
Hi*  ev'ry  thought  engross  ; 
He  longs  to  be  baptiz'd  with  blood ; 
He  pants  to  reach  his  cross. 

3.  With  all  his  sufferings  full  in  view. 

And  woes  to  us  unknown, 
Forth  to  the  task  his  spirit  flew  ; 
Twas  love  that  urg'd  him  on. 

4.  Lord  !  we  return  thee  what  we  can. 

Our  hearts  shall  sound  abroad 
Salvation  to  the  dying  man, 
And  to  the  rising  (iod  ! 

5.  And  while  thy  bleeding  glories  here 

Engage  our  wond'ring  eyes; 
We  learn  our  lighter  cross  to  bear, 
And  hasten  to  the  skies. 

HYMN  139   s.  m. 

!.  TOEHOLD  th'  amazing  sight, 
-*-*  The  Saviour  lifted  high  ! 
Behold  the  Son  of  God's  delight 
Expire  in  agony  ! 

C.  For  whom,  for  whom,  my  h 

Were  all  these  sorrow  s  borne  I 
Why  did  he  feel  that  piercing  smart. 
And  meet  that  various  scorn  ? 

3.  For  love  of  us  he  bled, 
And  all  in  torture  died  ; 
'Twas  love  that  bow  'd  his  fainting  head. 
And  op'd  his  guslung  side. 
i.In  sympathy  of  love 

Let  all  the  earth  combine  ; 
And,  drawn  by  cords  so  gentle,  prove 
The  energy  divine. 
I.  In  bim  our  hearts  unite, 

Nor  share  his  griefs  alone  ; 
Hut  from  his  cross  pursue  their  flight 
To  his  triumphant  throne. 
II 


Sfi  SUFFERINGS  AND  DEATH 

HYMN  140.  c.  m. 

1 .  /"1 OME,  let  us  lift  our  voices  high, 
^   High  as  our  joys  arise  ; 

And  join  the  songs  above  the  sky, 
Where  pleasure  never  dies. 

2.  Jesus,  the  Lord  that  lought  and  bled,, 

How  kind  his  smiles  appear  ! 
What  melting,  soothing  words  he  says 
To  ev'ry  humble  ear  ! 

3.  "  For  you,  the  objects  of  my  love, 

"  It  was  for  you  I  died. 
"  Behold  my  hands,  behold  my  feel, 
"  And  look  into  my  side. 

4.  "  These  are  the  wounds  for  you  I  bore. 

"  The  tokens  of  my  pains, 
e*  When  I  was  sent  to  free  your  souls 
"  From  misery  and  chains." 

5.  We  give  thee,  Lord,  our  highest  praise 

For  goodness  so  divine. 
O  may  we  ever  feel  thy  grace, 
And  die  to  ev'ry  sin  ! 

HYMN  141.  p.  m. 

1.  TTARK  !  the  voice  of  lave  and  men  \ 
Al  Sounds  aloud  from  Calvary  : 
Rending  rocks  the  work  attesting, 

Shaking  earth  and  veiled  skv. 
"ltisfinish'd!" 

Wras  the  dying  Saviour's  cry. 

2.  O  the  life,  the  peace,  the  pleasure. 

Which  these  charming  words  afford  ' 
lleav'nly  blessings  without  measure 

Flow  to  us  through  Christ  the  Lord. 
"ltisfinish'd!" 

Let  our  joyful  words  record. 
3. Tune  your  harps  anew,  ye  seraphs! 

Sound  aloud  Emmanuel's  name. 
All  creation  swell  the  chorus, 

Dwell  on  this  delightful  theme 
'•It  is  finish 'd  !  " 

Glory  to  the  worthv  Lamb  ! 


OF  CHRIST.  ■'.-. 

HYMN  142.  l.  m. 

7  l^fSfijun/rdl" — so  the  Saviour  cried, 
•*•     And  meeklV  bow'd  his  head  and  died. 
Tis  finish**! — yes,  the  race  is  run, 

The  battle  fought,  the  victory  Avon. 
..  "nxjinhViV.— all  that  heav'n  decreed, 

A.M  all  the  ancient  prophets  said, 
Is  now  fuMUl'd,  as  was  design'd, 

Id  thee  the  Saviour  of  mankind. 
.  "Ti:<  fimsh\}\ — Aaron  now  no  more 

Must  stain  his  robes  with  purple  gore, 
The  sacred  veil  is  rent  in  twain, 

And  Jewish  rites  no  more  remain. 
■'iiisJi\l\ — man  is  reconciPd 

To  God,  and  pow'rs  of  darkness  spoil 'd. 
{*eaceT  love,  and  happiness  again 

Return  and  dwell  with  sinful  men. 
*1*i9Jun$h*d\ — let  the  joyful  sound 

l»e  heard  thro'  all  the  nations  round. 
"J'ix jinislSd\ — let  the  echo  fly 

Thro1  lieav'n  and  hell,  thro'  earth  and  sky 

HYMN"  1-13.  e.  k. 

.  itOME,  let  »is  join  our  cheerful  songs 
^^    \\" itli  angels  round  the  throne. 
Ten  thousand]  thousand  are  their  tongues, 
But  all  their  joys  are  one. 
2."  Worthy  the  Lamb  that  died,"  they  cr\  . 
<;  To  be  exalted  thus. 
•;  Worthy  the  Lamb,"  our  lips  reply, 
I'ol-  he  was  slain  for  us. 
ms  is  worthy  to  receive 

1  jonour  and  pow'r  divine  ; 

I  blessings,  more  than  we  can  give, 
lie,  Lord  !  for  ever  thine. 

all  that  dwell  above  the  sky, 
And  air,  and  earth,  and  seas, 
-pin:  to  lift  thy  glories  high, 
\nd  speak  thine  endless  praise  ! 


88  SUFFERINGS  AND  DEATH 

HYMN    144.  s.  m. 

1.  TTOSANNAH  to  the  Son 

Al  Oi  David  and  of  God, 
Who  brought  the  news  of  pardon  down, 
And  seal'd  it  with  his  blood  ! 

2.  To  Christ,  th'  anointed  King, 

Be  endless  blessings  giv'n ! 
Let  the  whole  earth  his  glory  sing, 
Who  made  our  peace  with  heav'n. 

HYMN  145    l.  m. 

1.  "¥\TORTHY  is  he,  that  once  was  slain, 

»  ▼    The  Prince  of  peace  that  groan 'd  and  died  ; 
Worthy  to  rise,  and  live,  and  reign, 
At  his  almighty  Father's  side. 
2.1'ow'r  and  dominion  are  his  due, 

Who  stood  condemn'd  at  Pilate's  bar. 
Wisdom  belongs  to  Jesus  too, 

Though  he  was  charg'd  with  madness  there. 

3.  Honour  immortal  must  be  paid, 

Instead  of  scandal  and  of  scorn  ; 
While  glory  shines  about  his  head, 
And  a  bright  crown  without  a  thorn. 

4.  Blessings  for  ever  on  the  Lamb, 

w  hose  blood  speaks  peace  to  wretched  men. 
Let  angels  sound  his  sacred  name  ; 
And  ev'ry  creature  say,  Amen. 

HYMN  146    (    m. 

1.  A  ND  are  we  now  brought  near  to  God. 
-£*-  Who  once  at  distance  stood? 

And,  to  effect  this  glorious  change, 
Did  Jesus  shed  his  blood  ? 

2.  O  for  a  song  of  ardent  praise  ; 

To  bear  our  souls  above  ! 
What  should  allay  our  lively  hope, 
Or  damp  our  flaming  love  ? 

3.  Then  let  us  join  the  heav'nly  choirs, 

I  o  praise  our  heav'nly  King. 
O  may  that  grace  which  he  has  shown, 
Inspire  us  while  we  sing: — 


OF  CHRIST.  SO 

\  to  God  in  highest  strains, 
And  to  the  earth  be  peace  ! 

d-will  from  heav'n  to  men  is  come, 
And  let  it  never  cease  ! 

HYMN  147.  c.  m. 

I.  TOEHOLD  the  Saviour  of  mankind 
JJ  Nail'd  to  the  shameful  tree. 
How  vast  the  love  that  him  inclin'd 
To  bleed  and  die  for  thee  ! 
"I.  Hark,  how  he  groans!  while  nature  shakes, 
And  earth's  strong  pillars  bend  ! 
The  temple's  veil  in  sunder  breaks, 
The  Solid  marbles  bend. 
J.  "Tis  done  !  the  precious  ransom's  paid  ; 
"Receive  my  soul  !  "  he  cries : 
See  where  he  bows  his  sacred  head  ! 
He  bows  his  head  and  dies  ! 
i.  Rut  soon  he'll  break  death's  envious  chain, 
And  in  full  glory  shine. 
O  Lamb  of  (iod  !  was  ever  pain, 
Was  e\er  love  like  thine  ! 

HYMN  148.  e.  u. 

1 .  1  LAS  !  and  did  my  Saviour  bleed, 
■*  *■  And  did  my  Sov'reign  die  ? 
Would  he  devote  that  sacred  head 

For  such  a  worm  as  1  ? 

2.  Well  might  the  sun  in  darkness  hide, 

And  shut  his  glories  in, 
When  Christ,  the  mighty  Saviour,  died, 
For  man,  the  creature's  sin  ! 
...Thus  might  1  hide  my  blushing  face, 
While  his  dear  cross  appears  ; 
Dissolve  my  heart  in  thankfulness, 
And  melt  my  eyes  to  tears. 
i.  But  drops  of  grief  can  ne'er  repay 
The  debt  of  love  I  owe. 
Here,  Lord,  I  give  nn  self  away  > 
Tia  all  that!  can  do. 
11  i-> 


90  SUFFERINGS  AND  DEATH 

HYMN  149    p.  m. 

1.  A  H  !  see  him  writhe,  and  bleed,  and  die  ! 
-£*-  Give  thanks,  ray  soul,  and  offer  praise. 
See  Christ  with  God's  command  comply, 

And  execute  his  work  of  grace  : 
He  bows  his  head  upon  the  tree, 
To  save,  to  bless,  to  comfort  me. 

2.  Great  God  !  the  cot 'nan  t  now  is  seal'd; 

The  arduous  work  of  love  is  done. 
Thy  mercy  fully  stands  reveal'd, 

For  thou  hast  given  us  thy  Son. 
What  gift  can  ever  be  denied 
To  those  for  whom  the  Saviour  died  r 

3.  My  soul  upon  thy  word  relies, 

Thy  gracious  message  glad  receives  -, 
Assur'd  by  such  a  sacrifice, 

In  all  thy  promises  believes. 
No  gloomy  fears  my  peace  molest, 
Since  Jesus  bled  to  give  me  rest. 

4.  Assist  me,  Lord,  to  keep  his  cross 

For  ever  present  to  my  heart ; 
Like  him,  to  count  all  things  but  loss, 

That  from  thy  service  me  would  part ; 
In  virtue's  cause  to  persevere, 
And  only  love  what  he  held  dear. 

5.  Like  Jesus,  may  I  bear,  resignM, 

The  ills  of  life,  the  wrongs  of  foes; 
In  hope  that  L  may  mercy  find, 

Forgive  the  authors  of  my  woes  ; 
To  reach  my  goal,  on  thorns  proceed, 
From  all  complaints  and  murmurs  freed. 

6.  Like  Jesus,  may  I  ev'n  in  death 

Enraptur'd  say,  "my  Father,  Friend;  " 
Confide  in  thee,  and  yield  i.i\  breath, 

Assur'd  that  with  him  I'll  ascend 
To  mansions  of  celestial  joy, 

And  pleasures  which  shall  never  oloy, 
r.  Eternal  glory,  praise,  to  thee, 

Who  sit'st  supreme  upon  the  throiv  ' 
Salvation,  honour,  blessings  be 


OF  CHRIST.  «jj 

For  ever  given  to  the  Son  ! 
in  heav'n  more  worthy  thanks  shall  rise 
For  his  vast  love  and  sacrifice. 

HYMN  150.  l.  m 

1.  "VTOW  let  us  raise  our  cheerful  strains, 
-^    And  join  the  blissful  choir  above. 
There  our  exalted  Saviour  reigns, 

And  there  they  sing  his  wondrous  love. 

2.  Jesus,  who  once  upon  the  tree 

In  agonizing  pains  expir'd, 
To  save  us  rebels, — yes.  'tis  he  ! 

How  bright,  how  lovely,  how  admir'd  ! 

3.  Jesus,  who  died  that  we  might  live, 

And  raise  to  his  own  heav'nly  place : 
O  what  returns  can  mortals  give 

For  such  immeasurable  grace  ! 
i.  Were  universal  nature  our's, 

And  art  with  all  her  boasted  store ; 
Nature  and  art,  with  all  their  pow'rs, 

Would  still  confess  the  off'rer  poor. 
5.  Vet,  tho'  for  bounty  so  divine 

We  ne'er  can  equal  honours  raise  : 
Jesus  !  may  all  our  hearts  be  thine, 

And  all  our  tongues  proclaim  thy  praise. 

HYMN  151    c  m. 

1.  TIEHOLI)  the  bleeding  Lamb  of  God, 

■*-*  The  spotless  sacrifice  ! 
By  hands  of  barb'rous  sinners  seiz'd, 
XaiPd  to  the  cross  he  dies. 

2.  Blest  Jesus,  whence  this  streaming  blood  ? 

A. id  whence  this  foul  disgrace  ? 
Whence  all  these  pointed  thorns  that  rend 

Thy  amiable  face  ! 
J.  "  I  sanctify   myself  (he  cries) 

"That  thou  may'st  holy  be. 
"  Come,  trace  my  life  ;  eome,  view  my  death. 

"And  learn  to  copy  me." 

4.  Dear  Lord,  we  pant  for  holiness, 

And  ev'ry  sin  we  mourn  : 


9^  SUFFERINGS  AND  DEATH 

To  the  bright  path  of  thy  commands 
Our  wand 'ring  footsteps  turn. 
5.  Not  more  sincerely  would  we  wish 
To  climb  the  heav'nly  hill, 
Than  here  with  all  our  utmost  pow'i 
Thy  model  to  fulfil. 

HYMN  152    s.  m. 

1.  A  ND  shall  we  still  be  slaves, 
-£*•  And  in  our  fetters  lie, 
When  summon'd  by  a  voice  divine 

T*  assert  our  liberty  ? 

2.  Did  the  great  Saviour  bleed, 

Our  freedom  to  obtain  ? 
And  shall  we  trample  on  his  blood, 

And  glory  in  our  chain  ? 
5.  Shall  we  go  on  to  sin, 

Because  thy  grace  abounds  ; 
Or  crucify  the  Lord  again 

And  open  all  his  wounds? 
I.  Forbid  it  mighty  God  ! 

Nor  let  it  e'er  be  said, 
That  those,  for  whom  thy  Son  has  died, 

In  vice  are  lost  and  dead. 

5.  The  man,  that  durst  despise 

The  law  that  Moses  brought, 
Behold  !  how  terribly  he  dies 
For  his  presumptuous  fault. 

6.  But  sorer  vengeance  falls 

On  that  rebellious  race, 
Who  hate  to  hear  when  .lesus  calls, 
And  dare  resist  his  grace. 

HYMN"  158    i..  m. 

i.  "VTOW  be  that  sacrifice  survey'd, 

-^    Which  for  our  souls  the  Saviour  made 
While  love  to  sinners  fir'd  his  heart, 
And  conquer'd  all  the  killing  smart. 

.'.  Blest  Jesus,  while  tin  grace  1  sing, 
M  hat  grateful  tribute  shall  1  bring. 


OF  CHRIST.  <J3 

Tliat  earth  and  heav'n  and  all  may  see 
My  love  to  him,  who  died  for  me  ? 
.  That  offering,  Lord,  thy  word  hath  taught ; 
Nor  bt  thy  new  command  forgot, 
That,  if  their  Master's  death  cau  move, 
Thy  servants  should  each  other  love. 
4.  When  on  thy  cross  I  fix  mine  eye, 
Let  ev'ry  savage  passion  die  ; 
And  may  I  ever  ready  be 
To  serve,  forgive,  and  love  like  thee. 

HYMN  154    l.  m. 

i .  VTOW  let  my  soul  with  transport  rise, 

-^  And  range  thro'  earth  and  mount  the  skies, 

And  view  each  various  form  of  good, 

Where  angels  hold  their  high  abode. 
2.  H&th  not  the  bounteous  King  of  heav'n 

His  chief  belov'd  already  giv'n  ? 

And  what  shall  mercy  hold  too  good 

For  sinners  ransom'd  with  his  blood  ? 
\.  My  soul,  with  fearless  faith  embrace 

The  sacred  cov'nant  of  his  grace  ; 

A\  ith  joyful  hope,  obedient,  wait 

The  issues  of  a  love  so  great. 

HYMN  155.  c.   *. 

1.  TTAKK  !  'tis  our  heav'nly  Leader's  voice 
Al  From  the  bright  realms  above  ; 
Amidst  the  war's  tumultuous  rage, 

A  voice  of  pow'r  and  love. 

2.  "Maintain  the  fight,  my  faithful  band, 

"Xor  fear  the  mortal  blow  ; 
"He,  that  in  such  a  warfare  dies, 
'-Shall  speedy  vic'try  know. 
.)."  I  have  my  days  of  combat  seen, 
"And  in  the  dust  was  laid  : 
"But  now  I  sit  upon  my  throne, 
"And  glory  crowns  my  head. 
■).  "This  throne,  this  glory  si  mil  be  yours  ; 
"My  hands  the  crown  shall  give  ; 


9*  RESURRECTION  AM) 

"  And  you  the  blest  reward  shall  share, 
«  While  God  himself  shall  live." 

5.  Lord  !  'tis  enough  ;  our  souls  are  fir'd 

With  courage  and  with  love, 
Vain  are  th'  assaults  of  earth  and  hell ; 
Our  hopes  are  iix'd  above. 

6.  We'll  trace  the  footsteps  thou  hast  drawn 

To  triumph  and  renown ; 
Nor  shun  thy  combat  avid  thy  cross, 
May  we  but  share  thv  crown. 

HYMN  156   I.  m. 

1.  r  F*HE  God,  who  once  to  Israel  spoke 

J-    From  Sinai's  top  in  lire  and  smoke. 
In  gentler  strains  of  gospel  grace, 
Invites  us  now  to  seek  his  face. 

2.  He  wears  no  terrors  on  his  brow  5 
He  speaks  in  love  from  Zion  now . 
It  is  the  voice  of  Jesus'  blood, 

That  calls  us  wand'rers  back  to  God. 

3.  Hark  !  how  from  Calvary  it  sounds, 
From  the  Redeemer's  bleeding  wounds: 
"  Pardon  and  grace  I  freely  give ; 

"  Then,  sinner,  look  to  me,  and  live," 
i.  What  other  arguments  can  move 
The  heart,  that  slights  a  Saviour's  love  ? 
O  may  that  heav'nly  pow'r  be  felt, 
And  cause  the  stony  heart  to  melt ! 


IX. 

RESURRECTION  AND  GLORY 

OF  CHRIST. 

HYMN  1,57.  1..  m. 

1 .  XJE  dies,  the  friend  of  sinners  dies  ! 
■*-■*-  Lo  !  Salem's  daughters  wee])  around. 
A  solemn  darkness  veils  the  skies; 

A  sudden  trembling  shakes  the  ground. 


GLORY  OF  CHRIST.  95 

2.  Here's  love  and  grief  beyond  degree : 

The  Lord  of  glory  dies  for  man  ! 
Hut  lo!  -what  sudden  joys  we  see  ! 
Jesus,  the  dead  revives  again. 

3.  The  rising  God  forsakes  the  tomb  : 

In  vain  the  tomb  forbids  his  rise. 
Cherubic  legions  guard  him  home, 
And  shout  him  welcome  to  the  skies. 

4.  Break  oft* your  tears,  ye  saints,  and  tell. 

How  high  our  great  Deliv'rer  reigns. 
Sing,  how  he  spoilM  the  hosts  of  hell, 
And  led  the  monster,  death,  in  chains. 

5.  Say :  "Live  for  ever,  wondrous  King  ! 

"  Born  to  redeem,  and  strong  to  save  I " 

Then  ask  the  monster:"  where's  thy  sling  ! 

"  And  where's  thy  vict'ry,  boasting  gral 

HYMN  158    c.  m. 

1.  Y,rE  humble  souls,  that  seek  the  Lord, 

J-    Chase  all  your  fears  away  ; 
And  bow  with  pleasure  down  to  see 
The  place  where  Jesus  lay. 

2.  Thus  low  the  Lord  of  life  was  brought 

Such  wonders  love  can  do  ! 
Thus  cold  in  death  that  bosom  lay, 
Which  throbh'd  and  bled  for  you  ! 

3.  A  moment  give  a  loose  to  grief; 

Let  grateful  sorrows  rise  ; 
And  wash  the  bloody  stains  away 
With  torrents  from  your  eyes. 

4.  Then  dry  your  tears,  and  tune  your  songs  ; 

The  Saviour  lives  again  ! 
Not  all  the  bolts  and  bars  of  death 
The  Conq'ror  could  detain. 

5.  High  o'er  th'  angelic  bands  he  rears 

His  once  dishonour'd  head  ; 
And  thro'  unnumber'd  years  he  reigns, 
Who  dwelt  among  the  dead. 
G.  With  joy  like  his  shall  ev'rj   sain' 
His  empty  tomb  survey; 


96  RESURRECTION  AND 

And  rise  with  his  ascending  Lord 
Thro'  all  his  shining  way. 

HYMN  159    p.  m. 

1.  /CHRIST,  the  Lord,  is  ris'n  to  da)  , 
^  Sons  of  men  and  angels  say. 
Raise  your  joys  and  triumphs  high; 
Sing,  ye  heav'ns,  and  earth  reply. 

2.  Love's  redeeming  work  is  done ; 
Fought  the  fight,  the  battle  won. 
Lo  !  our  sun's  eclipse  is  o'er. 
Lo  !  he  sets  in  blood  no  more. 

3.  Vain  the  stone,  the  watch,  the  seal ! 
Christ  has  burst  the  gates  of  hell. 
Death  in  vain  forbids  his  rise  ; 
Christ  has  open'd  Paradise. 

4.  Lives  again  our  glorious  Kiug  : 
Where,  O  death,  is  now  thy  sting  ? 
Dying  once,  he  all  doth  save : 
Where  thy  victory,  O  grave  ? 

HYMN  160    p.  m. 

t .    A  NGEL,  roll  the  rock  awav  ; 
^  Hallelujah  ■ 

Death,  yield  up  thy  mighty  pr< *y. 
See,  he  rises  from  the  tomb 
Glowing  in  immortal  bloom. 

2.  Tis  the  Saviour  !  angels  raise 
Fame's  eternal  trump  of  praise. 
Let  the  world's  remotest  bound 
Hear  the  joy-inspiring  sound. 

3.  Hail  !  victorious  Jesus,  hail  ! 
On  thy  cloud  of  glory  sail 

In  long  triumph  through  the  sky, 
Up  to  waiting  worlds  on  high. 
\.  Heav'n  displays  her  portals  wide 
Glorious  hero !  thro'  them  ride. 
King  of  glory  !  mount  thy  throne, 
Thy  great  Father's  and  thine  own. 

5.  Hosts  of  heav'n,  seraphic  fires  ! 
Raptur'd,  sweep  your  sounding  lyres. 


GLORY  OF  CHRIST.  97 

Sons  of  men  !  in  humbler  strain 
Sing  your  mighty  Saviour's  reign. 
C.  Ev'ry  note  with  wonder  swell ; 
Sin  o'erthrown,  and  captWd  hell ! 
Where  is  now,  O  deatli  !  thy  sting  ? 
"Where  thy  terrors,  vanquished  King  :  ^ 

HYMN  161    s.  m. 

1.  ^<EE  what  a  living  stone 
^  The  builders  did  refuse  ! 

Yet  God  hath  built  his  church  thereon. 
In  spite  of  envious  Jews. 

2.  The  work,  O  Lord,  is  thine, 

And  wondrous  in  our  eyes : 
This  day  declares  it  all  divine, 
This  day  did  Jesus  rise. 

3.  Since  he  hath  left  the  grave, 

His  promises  are  true  ; 
And  each  exalted  hope  he  gave, 
Confirmed  of  heav'n  we  view. 

4.  Hosannah  to  the  King 

Of  David's  royal  blood  ! 
Bless  him,  ye  saints  ;  he  comes  to  bring 
Salvation  from  your  God. 

5.  O  come  the  happy  hour, 

When  all  the  world  shall  own 
Thy  Son,  O  God,  declar'd  with  pow'i . 
And  worship  at  thy  throne ! 
0.  We  bless  thy  holy  word, 

Which  all  this  grace  displays; 
And  offer  on  thine  altar,  Lord ! 
Our  sacrifice  of  praise. 

HYMN  162.  p.  m. 

1.  VTES,  the  Redeemer  rose ; 
1    The  Saviour  left  the  dead. 
And  o'er  our  hellish  foes 
High  rais'd  his  conq'ring  head. 

In  wild  dismay 

The  guards  around 

Fall  to  the  ground. 

And  sink  awav. 

I 


|P  RESURRECTION  AM I 

2.  Lo  !  the  angelic  bands 

In  full  assembly  meet, 

To  wait  his  high  commands. 

And  worship  at  his  feet. 

Joyful  they  come, 
And  wing  their  way 
From  realms  of  day 

To  Jesus'  tomb. 

3.  Then  back  to  heav'n  they  fly. 

The  joyful  news  to  bear. 
Hark  !  as  they  soar  on  high, 
What  music  fills  the  air  ! 

Their  anthems  say  l 
"  Jesus,  who  bled, 
"  Hath  left  the  dead  ; 

"  lie  rose  to-day." 

4.  Ye  mortals  catch  the  sound, 

Redeem'd  by  him  from  hell ; 
And  send  the  echo  round 

The  globe  on  which  you  dweli. 

With  Christ  we  rise, 
With  Christ  we  reign, 
And  empires  gain 

Beyond  the  skies. 

HYMN  163.  ( .  m. 

1.  TETHER  of  Jesus  Christ,  my  Lord, 
■*•    iVly  Saviour,  and  my  Head  ! 

I  trust  in  thee,  whose  pow'rful  word 
Hath  rais'd  him  from  the  dead. 

2.  Eternal  life  to  all  mankind 

Thou  hast  in  .lesus  gi\  rn  ; 
And  all  who  seek,  thro'  him,  shall  find 
The  happiness  of  heav'n. 

3.  Obedient  faith,  that  waits  on  thee, 

Thou  never  wilt  reprove; 
Rut  thou  wilt  form  thy  Son  in  me, 

And  perfect  me  in  lo\e. 
i.To  thee  the  glory  of  thy  pow'r 

And  faithfulness  I  give* 
1  shall  in  Christ,  at  that  glad  hour, 

And  Christ  in  mc  shall  live. 


(JLORY  OF  CHRIST.  99 

HYMN  164.  s.  m. 

I .  IlLESS'I.)  be  th'  eternal  God, 
-*-*  The  Father  of  our  Lord  ! 

Be  his  abounding  mercy  prais'd, 
His  majesty  ador'd, 
J.  From  death  he  rais'd  his  Son, 
And  call'd  him  to  the  sky  ; 
And  gave  our  souls  a  lively  hope, 
That  they  should  never  die, 
I.  What  though  his  will  requires, 
That  we  should  see  the  dust: 
Since  Christ,  our  pledge  and  pattern,  rose, 
So  all  his  toll  Vers  must, 
i.  There's  an  inheritance 

Ueserv'd  against  that  day; 
Tis  uncorrupud,  undenTd, 
And  cannot  fade  away. 


i-m 


HYMN  165    l.  m. 

OS  ANN  AH  !  let  us  join  to  sing, 
he  glories  of  our  rising  King  ; 


Recount  his  victories,  and  tell, 
How  Jesus  triumph  \1  when  he  fell. 

2.  Soon  as  the  morning's  earliest  ray 
Brings  on  the  third,  th'  appointed  da\ 
Behold  the  angel  cleave  the  skies, 
ltoll  back  the  stone,  and  Jesus  rise. 

3.  Ye  tribes  of  Adam,  raise  the  song, 
And  bid  angelic  harps  prolong 
The  triumphs  of  that  day  of  grace, 
Which  seal'd  salvation  to  our  race. 

i.  Salvation  !  joy-inspiring  theme  ! 
Best  gift  of  him  who  reigns  supreme; 
Sweet  balm  of  ev'ry  human  wo, 
And  source  of  boundless  joy  below. 

>.  Salvation  !  sons  of  men  record 
The  glories  of  your  rising  Lord. 
The  triumphs  of  the  Saviour  tell, 
Who  died,  and  concpier'd  when  lie  fell 


100  RESURRECTION  AND 

HYMN  166    l.  m. 

1.  TJEJOICE,  ye  shining  worlds  on  high  ; 
-*-*'  Behold  the  King  of  glory  nigh  ! 
Who  can  this  King  of  glory  be  ? 

The  mighty  Lord,  the  Saviour's  he. 

2.  Ye  heav'nly  gates,  your  leaves  display, 
I'o  make  the  Lord,  the  Saviour,  May. 
Laden  with  spoils  from  earth  and  hell, 
The  (Jonq'ror  comes,  with  God  to  dwell. 

3.  Rais'd  from  the  dead,  he  goes  before, 
He  opens  heav'n's  eternal  door, 

To  give  his  saints  a  blest  abode, 
Near  their  Redeemer  and  their  God. 

HYMN  167.  c.  m. 

1.  TN  raptures  let  our  hearts  ascend, 
-*-  Our  heav'nly  seats  to  view, 
And  grateful  trace  that  shining  path 
Our  rising  Saviour  drew. 
2. "  Up  to  my  Father  and  my  God, 
"  I  go  ;"  (the  ConqVor  cries) 
"  Up  to  your  Father  and  your  God, 
61  My  brethren,  lift  your  eyes." 
3.  And  doth  the  Lord  of  glory  call 
Such  worms  his  brethren  dear  ? 
And  doth  he  point  to  heav'n's  high  throne. 
And  shew  our  Father  there  ? 
i.  And  doth  he  teach  my  feeble  tongue 
That  tuneful  sound,  "  my  God?" 
And  breathe  his  spirit  on  my  heart 
To  shed  his  grace  abroad  } 
.").  O  world,  produce  a  good  like  this, 
And  thou  shalt  have  my  love, 
'Till  then,  my  Father  claims  it  all, 
And  Christ  who  dwells  above. 

HYMN  168    c,  m. 

l.TDEACE,  all  ye  sorrows  of  the  heart, 
J-    And  all  my  tears  be  <\v\  : 

That  Christian's  courage  ne'er  can  sink, 
AY  ho  views  his  Lord  on  high. 


GLORY  OF  CHRIST.  101 

:.  "  1  live  for  ever,  (Jesus  sait.li) 
And  you  m  ith  me  shall  live  ; 
Receive  with  pleasure  e\  'ry  pledge 
My  pow'r  and  love  can  give. 
.5.  "Fair  mansions  in  my  Father's  house 
For  all  his  children  wait ; 
And  I,  your  elder  brother,  go 
To  open  wide  the  gate, 
i.  "  United  in  eternal  love, 

My  foil  Vers  shall  remain; 
And  with  rejoicing  hearts  shall  share 
The  honours  of  my  reign." 
■  >.  Yes,  Lord,  thy  gracious  words  we  hear, 
And  cordial  joys  they  bring. 
Frail  nature  may  extort  a  groan, 
But  faith  thy  name  shall  sing. 

HYMN  169.  i.  m. 

1.  TESUS,  our  triumphant  Head, 

*J    Ris'n  victorious  from  the  dead, 
To  the  realms  of  glory's  gone, 
To  ascend  his  rightful  throne. 

2.  Cherubs  on  the  Conq'ror  gaze, 
Seraphs  glow  witli  brighter  blaze  ; 
Each  bright  order  of  the  sky 
Hails  him,  as  he  passes  by. 

>.  Heav'n  its  King  congratulates, 

Opens  wide  her  golden  gates. 

Angels  songs  of  vict'ry  bring  ; 

All  the  blissful  regions  ring. 
4.  Sinners,  join  the  heav'nly  pow'rs  -y 

For  redemption  all  is  ours. 

Humble  penitents  shall  prove 

Blood-bought  pardon,  dying  love. 
>.  Hail,  thou  dear,  thou  worthy  Lord  ! 

Holy  Lamb  !  incarnate  word  ! 

Hail,  thou  sufY'ring  Son  of  God  ! 

Take  the  trophies  of  thv  blood 
1  2 


RESURRECTION  AND 

HYMN  170    c    m 

1.  nplIE  Lord  of  life,  with  glory  crown'd 
A    On  heav'ns  exalted  throne, 
Forgets  not  those,  for  whom  on  earth 
He  heav'd  his  dying  groan. 
L2.  His  greatness  now  no  tongue  of  man 
Or  seraph  bright  can  tell  : 
Yet  still  the  chief  of  all  his  joys, 
That  souls  are  sav'd  from  hell. 

3.  For  this  he  taught,  and  toil'd,  and  hied  ; 

For  this  his  life  was  giv'n  ; 
For  this  he  fought,  and  vanquish' d  death  ; 
For  this  he  reigns  in  heav'n. 

4.  Join,  all  ye  saints  heneath  the  sky, 

Your  grateful  praise  to  give  ; 

Sing  loud  hosannahs  to  his  name, 

With  whom  you  too  shall  live. 

HYMN  171    L  m. 

1.  "1I7TIERE  high  the  heav'nly  temple  stands, 

*  *    The  house  of  God  not  made  with  hands, 
A  great  Highpriest  our  nature  wears, 
The  guardian  of  our  souls  appears. 

2.  His  race  for  ever  is  complete, 
For  ever  undisturb'd  his  seat ; 
Myriads  of  angels  round  him  fly, 
And  sing  his  well-gain'd  victory. 

S.The  Saviour  and  the  friend  of  man 
Pursues  in  heav'n  his  gracious  plan  ; 
And,  though  ascended  up  on  high, 
He  bends  on  earth  a  brothers  eye. 

4.  Raise,  raise,  my  soul,  thy  rautur'd  sight, 
With  sacred  wonder  and  delight; 

At  God's  right  hand  thy  Saviour  see, 
Enter'd  within  the  veil  for  thee. 

5.  With  fdial  boldness,  at  the  throne. 
Make  all  thy  cares  and  sorrows  known  ; 
And  ask  the  aids  of  heav'nly  pow'r, 

To  help  thee  in  the  evil  hour. 


GLORY  OF  CHRIST.  Ity 

HYMN  172.  p  h< 

1.  TJEJOICE,  the  Lord  is  King; 
■"  Your  God  and  King  adore. 
Mortals,  give  thanks  and  sing, 

And  triumph  evermore ! 
Lift  up  your  hearts,  lift  up  your  voice, 
Rejoice  aloud,  ye  saints,  rejoice. 

2.  Rejoice,  the  Saviour  reigns  ; 

He  reigns  in  truth  and  love. 
When  he  had  wash'd  our  stains. 

He  took  his  seat  above. 
Lift  up  your  hearts  kc. 

3.  His  kingdom  cannot  fail ; 

He  rules  o'er  earth  and  heav'n ; 
The  keys  of  death  and  hell 

Are  to  our  Jesus  giv'n. 
Lift  up  &c. 

4.  He  all  his  foes  shall  quell, 

Shall  all  our  sins  destroy; 
And  ev'ry  bosom  swell 

With  pure  seraphic  joy. 
Lift  up  &.c. 

5.  Rejoice  in  glorious  hope: 

Jesus,  the  Judge,  shall  come, 
And  take  his  servants  up 

To  their  eternal  home. 
We  soon  shall  hear  th'  archangel's  voice; 
The  trump  of  God  shall  sound,  rejoice  ! 

HYMN  178    o.  u. 

1.  f\  the  delights,  the  heav'nly  joys, 
^^  The  glories  of  the  place, 

Where  Jesus  sheds  the  brightest  beams 
Of  his  o'erflowing  grace  ! 

2.  Princes  to  his  imperial  name 

Bend  their  bright  sceptres  down  ; 
Dominions,  thrones,  and  pow'rs  rejoice. 
To  see  him  wear  the  crown. 

3.  Archangels  sound  his  lofty  praise. 

Thro'  ev'ry  heav'nly  street ; 


104        RESURRECTION  AND  GLOKY  kc 

And  lay  their  highest  honours  down, 
Submissive,  at  his  feet. 

4.  While  angels  shout  and  praise  their  King, 

Let  mortals  learn  their  strains. 
Let  all  the  earth  his  honours  sing; 
O'er  all  the  earth  he  reigns. 

5.  Now  to  the  Lamb  that  once  was  slain, 

lie  endless  blessings  paid  ; 
Salvation,  glory,  joy,  remain 
For  ever  on  thy  head  ! 

6.  Thou  hast  redeem'd  our  souls  with  blood. 

Hast  set  the  pris'ners  tree, 
Hast  made  us  kings  and  priests  to  God, 
And  we  shall  reign  with  thee. 

HYMN  174    p.  m. 

I.  T   O  !  he  comes,  from  heav'n  descending, 
-*-^  Sent  to  judge  both  quick  and  dead. 
'Midst  ten  thousand  saints  and  angels, 
See  our  great  exalted  Head. 

Hallelujah ! 
Welcome,  welcome,  Son  of  God  ! 
Z.  Full  of  awful  expectation, 

All  before  the  Judge  appear. 

Truth  and  justice  go  before  him  ; 

Now  the  joyful  sentence  hear. 

Hallelujah 
Welcome,  welcome,  Judge  divine  ! 
J. "  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father  ; 
Enter  into  life  and  joy. 
Banish  all  your  fear  and  sorrow  ; 
Endless  praise  be  \  our  employ." 

Hallelujah ! 
Welcome,  welcome  to  the  skies  ! 

j.  Now  at  once  they  rise  to  glory  ; 
Jesus  brings  them  to  the  King. 
There,  with  all  the  hosts  of  heaven. 
They  eternal  anthems  sing. 

Hallelujah 
Uoundless  irlorv  to  the  Lamb  ! 


KINGDOM  AND  CHURCH  6>c.  10j 

X 
KINGDOM  AND  CHURCH  OF 
CHRIST. 

HYMN  175   i.'m. 

Effusion  of  the  Spirit  on  the  day  of  Pentecost . 

1.  /^  HEAT  was  the  day,  the  joy  was  great, 
^J   When  the  divine  disciples  met ; 
While  on  their  heads  the  spirit  came, 
And  sat  like  tongues  of  cloven  flame. 

2.  What  gifts,  what  miracles  he  gave  ! 
And  pow'r  to  kill,  and  pow'r  to  save  ! 
Fornish'd  their  tongues  with  wondrous  words 
instead  of  shields,  and  spears,  and  swords. 

.S.  Nations,  the  learned  and  the  rude, 

Were  by  these  heav'nly  arms  subdu'd. 

The  heathens  saw  thy  glory ,  Lord! 

And,  wondYing,  bless'd  thy  gracious  word. 
4.  Come  the  great  day,  the  glorious  hour, 

When  all  shall  feel  thy  saving  pow'r, 

And  the  whole  race  of  man  confess 

The  beauty  of  thy  holiness  ! 

HYMN  176    s.  m. 

1.  ATAKER,  and  sov'reign  Lord 
-*-*-*•  Of  heav'n,  and  earth,  and  seas  ' 
Thy  providence  confirms  thy  word. 

And  answers  thy  decrees. 

2.  Why  did  the  Gentiles  rage, 

And  Jews,  with  one  accord, 
Bend  all  their  counsels  to  destroy 
Th'  anointed  of  the  Lord  ? 

3.  Rulers  and  kings  agree 

To  form  a  vain  design  ; 
Against  the  Lord  their  powYs  unite. 
Against  his  Christ  they  join. 

4.  The  J^ord  derides  their  rage, 

And  will  support  his  throne. 


x 


K»G  KINGDOM  AND  CHURCH 

He,  that  hath  rais'd  him  from  the  dead. 
Hath  ouu'd  him  for  his  Son. 
5.  He  asks,  and  God  bestows 
A  large  inheritance. 
Far  as  the  earth's  remotest  end, 
His  kingdom  shall  advance. 

HYMN  177    l.  m. 

1.  TESUS  shall  reign,  where'er  the  sun 
*"    Does  his  successive  journies  run; 
J  (is  Kingdom  stretch  from  shore  to  shore, 
'Till  moons  shall  wax  and  wane  no  more. 

%.  People  and  realms  of  ev'rv  tongue 
Dwell  on  his  love  with  grateful  song  ; 
And  with  united  hearts  proclaim, 
That  grace  and  truth  by  Jesus  came. 

3.  Blessings  abound  where'er  lie  reigns  ; 
The  pris'ner  leaps  to  lose  his  chains  ; 
The  weary  find  eternal  rest, 

And  all  the  sons  of  want  are  blest, 

4.  Where  he  displays  his  healing  pow'r, 
The  sting  of  death  is  known  no  more. 
In  him  the  sons  of  Adam  boast 
More  blessings,  than  their  father  lost, 

HYMN  178    l.  m. 

1.  nnffUS  God,  th'  eternal  Father,  spakc- 
J-     To  Christ  his  Son  :  "  Ascend  and  sit 
"  At  my  right  hand,  'till  I  shall  make 
"  Thy  foes  submissive  at  thy  feet. 
I.  "  From  Zion  shall  thy  word  proceed ; 
"  Thy  word,  the  sceptre  in  thy  hand, 
"  Shall  make  the  hearts  of  rebels  bleed, 
"  And  bow  their  wills  to  thy  command. 
3. "That  day  shall  show  thy  pow'r  is  great, 

<k  When  saints  shall  flock  with  willing  minds 
"  And  sinners  crowd  thv  temple  gate, 
"  Where  holiness  in  beauty  shines." 
i.  O  bh  ssed  pow  Y  !  (>  glorious  daj  ! 
Wiiat  a  large  vict'rv  shall  ensue  ! 


OF  CHRIST* 

\nd  converts,  who  thy  grace  obey. 
Exceed  the  drops  of  morning  dew. 

HYMN  179    l.  m. 

1.  /^  REAT  fiod!  whose  universal  sway 

^J   The  known  and  unknown  worlds  ob<  ]  ! 
Extend  the  kingdom  of  thy  Son, 
'Till  ev'ry  land  his  laws  shall  own. 

2.  They  form  to  righteousness  the  mind. 
To  all  that's  candid,  gentle,  kind  ; 
Inspire  with  love  the  human  breast, 
And  stormy  passions  sooth  to  rest. 

S.  As  gentle  rain  on  parching  ground, 
J  lis  gospel  sheds  its  influence  round: 
Its  grace  on  fainting  souls  distils, 
Like  heav'nly  dew  on  thirsty  bills* 

i.  The  heathen  lands  that  lie  beneath 
The  shades  of  darkness  and  of  death. 
Revive  at  its  first  dawning  Light, 
And  deserts  hlossom  at  the  sight. 

.^.  The  saints  shall  flourish  in  his  days, 
Dress'd  HI  the  robes  of  joy  and  praise; 
Peace,  like  a  river,  from  his  throne, 
Shall  flow  to  nations  yet  unknown. 

HYMN  180    o.  m. 

1.  /~^  REAT  God  !  the  nations  of  the  earth 
^J   Are  by  creation  thine  ; 

And  in  thy  works,  by  all  beheld, 
Thy  radiant  glories  shine. 

2.  But,  Lord,  thy  greater  love  has  sent 

Thy  gospel  to  mankind, 
Unveiling  what  rich  stores  of  grace 
Are  treasur'd  in  thy  mind. 
r». Lord  !  when  shall  these  glad  tidings  gpi 
The  spacious  earth  around, 
'Till  ev'ry  tribe,  and  e\  Vy  soul 
Shall  hear  the  joyful  sound  ? 
v.  O  when  shall  Afric's  sable  son 5 
Enjoy  the  heav'nly  word, 
\nd  vassals  long-enslav'd  beeorm 
The  freemen  of  the  Lord  ; 


108  KINGDOM  AND  CHURCH 

5.  When  shall  th'  untutor'd  heathen  tribes, 

A  dark  bewilder'd  race, 
Sit  down  at  our  Immanuel's  feet, 
And  learn  and  feel  his  grace  ? 

6.  Haste,  sov'reign  mercy,  and  transform 

Their  cruelty  to  love  ; 

Soften  the  tiger  to  a  lamb, 

The  vulture  to  a  dove. 

7.  Smile,  Lord,  on  each  divine  attempt 

To  spread  the  gospel's  rays; 
And  build  on  sin's  demolish'd  throne, 
The  temples  of  thy  praise. 

HYMN  181    s.  m. 

1.  /^  REAT  God  !  arise  and  shine, 
*J   Y\  ith  beams  of  heav'nlv  light ; 
From  this  dark  world  of  sin  dispel 
The  long  and  doleful  night. 
%  No  more  may  idols  share 
The  honours  due  to  thee  : 
May  ev'ry  nation  know  thy  name. 
And  thy  salvation  see. 
3.  No  more  may  malice  dare 
To  lift  her  iron  rod ; 
No  longer  shed  the  blood  of  saints, 
And  plead  a  zeal  for  God. 
i.  With  its  own  native  light, 

Lord,  may  thy  gospel  shine  : 
May  error  fly  like  noxious  mists 
Before  this  light  divine. 
•5.  Whilst  truth  her  charms  reveals. 
May  love  each  breast  inspire  ; 
Nor  one  base  passion  ever  mix, 
To  quench  this  sacred  fire. 

HYMN  182.  p.  m. 

Isaiah  lx.  1. 
1 .  /  \  Zion,  tune  thy  voice, 

"  And  raise  thy  hands  on  high  ; 
Tell  all  tae  earth  thy  joys, 
And  boast  salvation  nigh. 


OF  CHRIST.  169 

Cheerful  in  God, 
Arise  and  shine, 
While  rays  divine 

Stream  all  abroad. 

2.  He  gilds  thy  mourning  face 

With  beams  that  cannot  fade  ; 
His  all-resplendent  grace 
He  sheds  upon  thy  head. 

The  nations  round 
Thy  form  shall  view, 
With  lustre  new 
Divinely  crown'd. 

3.  In  honour  to  his  name, 

Reflect  that  sacred  light ; 
And  loud  that  grace  proclaim, 
Which  makes  thy  darkness  bright. 

Pursue  his  praise, 
Till  sov'reign  love 
In  worlds  above 

The  glory  raise. 

4.  There  on  his  holy  hill, 

A  brighter  sun  shall  rise^ 
And  with  his  radiance  fill 
Those  fairer,  purer  skies  ; 

While  round  his  throm 
Ten  thousand  stars 
In  nobler  spheres 

His  influence  own. 

HYMN  183.  p.  m. 

Isaiah  xli.  18,  19. 
1.    A  MAZING,  beauteous  change 
-£*»  A  world  created  new  ! 
Our  thoughts  with  transport  range, 
The  lovely  scene  to  view. 

In  all  we  trace, 
Father  divine, 
The  work  is  thine ; 
Be  thine  the  praise  ! 
t.  See  crystal  fountains  play 
Amidst  the  burning  sand  -; ! 
K 


110  KINGDOM  AND  CHURCH  &c. 

The  river's  winding  way 

Shines  through  the  thirsty  lands  ! 

New  grass  is  seen, 
And  o'er  the  meads 
Its  carpet  spreads 
Of  living  green. 
3.  Where  pointed  hrambles  grew. 
Entwin'd  with  horrid  thorn, 
Gay  flow'rs,  for  ever  new, 
Th'  enamell'd  fields  adorn. 

The  blushing  rose, 
And  lily  there 
In  union  fair 

Their  sweets  disclose. 

i.  Where  the  bleak  mountain  stood, 

All  bare  and  disarray 'd, 

See  the  wide-branching  wood, 

Diffuse  its  grateful  shade  ! 

Tall  cedars  nod, 

And  oaks  and  pines, 

And  elms  and  vines 

Confess  the  God. 

5.  The  tyrants  of  the  plain 

Their  savage  chase  give  o'er; 
No  more  they  rend  the  slain, 
And  thirst  for  blood  no  more ; 

But  infant  hands 
Fierce  tigers  stroke, 
And  lions  yoke 

In  flow'ry  bands. 

6.  O  when,  almighty  Lord, 

Shall  these  glad  scenes  arise, 
To  verify  thy  word, 

And  bless  our  wond'ring  ej  I 

That  earth  may  raise, 
With  all  her  tongues, 
United  songs 

Of  ardent  praise. 


THE  INFLUENCE  OF  &c.  Ill 

XI 

THE  IXFLUENCE  OF  GOD'S 

HOLY  SPIRIT. 

HYMN  184    i..  m. 

I.  /^OME,  gracious  Spirit,  heav'nly  dove, 

^   With  light  and  comfort  from  above. 

Be  thou  our  guardian,  thou  our  guide  ; 

O'er  ev'ry  thought  and  step  preside. 
6.  Conduct  us  safe,  conduct  us  far 

From  ev'ry  sin  and  hurtful  snare  ; 

Lead  to  thy  word  that  rules  must  give, 

And  teach  us  lessons  how  to  live. 

3.  The  light  of  truth  to  us  display, 
That  we  may  know  and  love  thy  way : 
Plant  holy  fear  in  ev'ry  heart, 

That  we  from  thee  may  ne'er  depart, 

4.  Lead  us  to  righteousness,  the  road 
That  we  must  take,  to  dwell  with  God ; 
Lead  us  to  heav'n,  the  seat  of  bliss. 
Where  pleasure  m  perfection  is. 

HYMN  185        m. 

1.  pOME,  holy  Spirit,  heav'nly  dove, 
^  With  all  thy  fmick'ning  pow'rs  ; 
Kindle  a  flame  of  sacred  love 

In  these  cold  hearts  of  ours. 

2.  See,  how  we  grovel  here  below, 

Fond  of  these  earthly  toys  ! 
Our  souls,  how  heavily  they  go, 
To  reach  eternal  joys  ! 

3.  Dear  Lord  !  and  shall  we  always  live 

At  thiq  poor,  dying  rate  ? 
Our  love  so  cold,  so  faint  to  thee, 
And  thine  to  us  so  great  ? 

4.  Come,  holy  Spirit,  heav'nly  dove, 

With  all  thy  imick'ning  pow'rs. 
Come,  shed  abroad  a  Saviour's  lore. 
And  that  shall  kindle  oar's 


112  THE  INFLUENCE  OF 

HYMN  186.  s.  m. 

1.  rpiHNE  influence,  Lord  !  is  felt 

-1    Through  nature's  ample  round. 
In  heav'n,  on  earth,  thro'  air  and  skies, 
Thine  energy  is  found. 

2.  Let  others,  swell 'd  with  pride, 

Of  wisdom  make  their  boasts: 
Our  wisdom  and  our  strength  must  come 
From  thee,  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

3.  Father  !  thy  Spirit  grant, 

To  guide  our  doubtful  way. 
Thy  truth  shall  scatter  ev'ry  cloud, 
And  make  a  glorious  day. 

4.  Supported  by  thy  grace, 

\\e'll  do  and  bear  thy  will. 
That  grace  shall  make  each  burden  light. 
And  ev'ry  murmur  still. 

5.  Cheer'd  by  thy  smiles,  we'll  tread 

The  gloomy  path  of  death  ; 
And,  with  the  hope  of  endless  bliss. 
Resign  to  thee  our  breath. 

HYMN  187    p.  m. 

1.  lyxARK  the  soft-falling  snow 
-L'-L  And  the  descending  rain: 
To  heav'n,  from  whence  it  fell. 
It  turns  not  back  again ; 

But  waters  earth 

Through  ev'ry  pore, 

And  calls  forth  all 

Her  secret  store. 

*2.  Array 'd  in  beauteous  green, 

The  hills  and  valleys  shine  ; 

And  man  and  beast  are  fed 

By  providence  divine. 

The  harvest  bows 
Its  golden  ears, 
The  copious  seed 
Of  future  years. 


GOD'S  HOLY  SPIRIT.  IU 

3.  u  So,"  lahh  the  God  of  grace, 
"  My  gospel  shall  descend, 
"Almighty  to  effect 
"  The  purpose  I  intend. 

"  Millions  of  souls 
"  Shall  feel  its  pow'r, 
M  And  bear  it  down 
"  To  millions  more." 

HYMN  188   s.  m. 

1.  nPO  God,  the  only  wise, 

-*     Our  Saviour  and  our  King, 

Let  all  the  saints  below  the  skies 

Their  humble  praises  bring. 

2.  Tis  his  almighty  love, 

His  counsel  and  his  care, 
Preserves  us  safe  from  sin  and  death, 
And  ev'ry  hurtful  snare. 

3.  He  will  present  our  souls 

Unblemished  and  complete, 
Before  the  glory  of  his  face, 

With  joys  divinely  great. 
i.  Then  all  his  faithful  sons 

Shall  meet  around  the  throne, 
Shall  bless  the  conduct  of  his  grace. 

And  make  his  wonders  known. 
'.To  our  Redeemer,  God, 

Wisdom  and  pow'r  belongs, 
Immortal  crowns  of  majesty, 

And  everlasting  songs. 

HYMN  189.  c.  m. 

1.  TV/fV  hope,  my  portion,  and  my  God, 
-*-*■*-  How  little  art  thou  known 

By  all  the  judgments  of  thy  rod, 
And  blessings  of  thy  throne  ! 

2.  How  cold  and  feeble  is  my  love ! 

How  negligent  my  fear  ! 
How  low  my  hope  of  joys  above  ' 
How  few  affections  there  ' 
K  2 


114  THE  INFLUENCE  OF 

3.  Great  God  !  thy  gracious  aid  impart, 

To  give  thy  word  success. 
Write  thy  salvation  in  my  heart, 
That  I  may  learn  thy  grace.  t 

4.  Shew  my  forgetful  feet  the  way 

That  leads  to  joys  on  high. 
There  knowledge  grows  without  decay 
And  love  shall  never  die. 

HYMN  190   c.  m. 

1.  X^OR  ever  hlessed  be  the  Lord, 
-T  My  Saviour  and  my  shield  ! 
He  sends  his  Spirit  with  his  word. 

To  arm  me  tor  the  field. 

2.  When  all  my  foes  their  force  unite . 

He  makes  my  soul  his  care ; 
Instructs  me  in  the  heav'nly  fight, 

And  guards  me  thro'  the  war. 
,?.  A  friend  and  helper  so  divine 

My  fainting  hope  shall  raise. 
He  makes  the  glorious  vict'ry  mine, 

And  his  shall  be  the  praise. 

HYMN  191    c  v. 

I.    A  RE  not  thy  mercies  sov'reign  still . 
-^  And  thou  a  faithful  God  ? 
Wilt  thou  not  grant  me  warmer  zeal. 
To  run  the  heav'nly  road  ? 
2. 1  need  the  influence  of  thy  grace, 
To  speed  me  in  thy  way ; 
Lest  I  should  loiter  in  my  race, 
Or  turn  my  feet  astray. 

3.  Does  not  my  heart  thy  precepts  love.. 

And  long  to  see  thy  face  ? 
And  yet  how  slow  my  spirits  move. 
Without  enliv'ning  grace ! 

4.  Then  shall  I  love  thy  gospel  more, 

And  ne'er  forget  thy  word, 
When  I  have  felt  its  quick'ning  pow'r, 
To  draw  me  near  the  Lord. 


GODS  HOLY  SPIRIT.  11 ; 

HYMN  192.  p.  m. 

1.  p TERN AL  Spirit,  source  of  light, 
J-^  Enlivening,  consecrating  fire, 
Descend,  and  n  ith  celestial  heat, 

Our  dull,  our  frozen  hearts  inspire; 
Our  souls  refine,  our  dross  consume  ! 
Come,  condescending  Spirit,  come  ! 

2.  In  our  cold  breasts  O  strike  a  spark 

Of  that  pure  flame  which  seraphs  feel; 
Nor  let  us  wander  in  the  dark, 

Or  lie  benumb'd  and  stupid  still. 
Come,  vivifying  Spirit,  come  ! 
And  make  our  hearts  thy  constant  home. 

3.  Let  pure  devotion's  fervours  rise  ! 

Let  ev'ry  pious  passion  glow  ! 
O  let  the  raptures  of  the  skies 

Kindle  in  our  cold  hearts  below. 
Come,  purifying  Spirit,  come, 
And  make  our  souls  thy  constant  home  ! 

HYMN  198.  s.  m. 

1.  f~^  OD,  who  is  just  and  kind, 
*J  Will  those  who  err  instruct, 
And  to  the  paths  of  righteousness 

Their  wand'ring  steps  conduct. 

2.  The  humble  soul  he  guides, 

Teaches  the  meek  his  way ; 
Kindness  and  truth  he  shows  to  all, 
Who  him  in  truth  obey. 

3.  Give  me  the  tender  heart, 

That  mixes  fear  with  love; 
And  lead  me  thro'  whatever  path 
Thy  wisdom  shall  approve. 

4.  O  ever  keep  my  soul 

From  error,  shame,  and  guilt? 
Nor  suffer  the  fair  hope  to  fail, 
Which  on  thy  truth  is  built. 

HYMN  194    i .  m. 

1 .  T>RAISE  to  the  Lord  of  boundless  might, 
■*■     With  uncreated  glories  bright! 


116  THE  INFLUENCE  OF 

His  presence  gilds  the  worlds  above, 
Th'  unchanging-  source  of  life  and  love. 

2.  "  Let  there  be  light,"  Jehovah  said; 
And  light  o'er  all  the  earth  was  spread. 
Natuie  array'd  in  charms  unknown, 
Gay  with  its  new-born  lustre,  shone. 

3.  He  sees  the  mind,  when  lost  it  lies 
In  shades  of  ignorance  and  vice; 
And  dart8  from  heav'n  a  vivid  ray, 
And  changes  midnight  into  day. 

4.  Shine,  mighty  God,  with  vigour  shine 
On  this  benighted  heart  of  mine; 
There  be  thy  brighter  beams  reveal'd, 
As  in  the  Saviour's  face  beheld. 

5.  Thine  image,  on  my  soul  impress'd, 
In  radiant  lines  shall  stand  confess'd ; 
While  all  my  faculties  unite 

To  praise  the  Lord  who  gives  me  lightj. 

HYMN  195    l.  m. 

1.  OURE  the  blest  Comforter  is  nigh, 
lO    Ti8  he  sustains  my  fainting  heart; 
Else  would  my  hope  for  ever  die, 
And  ev'ry  cheering  ray  depart. 
l2.  When  some  kind  promise  glads  my  soul, 
Do  I  not  find  his  healing  voice 
The  tempest  of  my  fears  control, 

And  bid  my  drooping  pow'rs  rejoice  ? 

3.  What  less  than  thine  almighty  word 

Can  raise  my  heart  from  earth  and  dust, 
And  bid  me  cleave  to  thee,  my  Lord, 
My  life,  my  treasure,  and  my  trust  ? 

4.  And  when  my  cheerful  hope  can  say, 

"  I  love  my  God  and  taste  his  grape;" 
Lord,  is  it  not  thy  blissful  rav, 

Which  brings  this  dawn  of  sacred  peace  ? 

5.  Let  thy  kind  Spirit  in  my  heart 

For  ever  dwell,  O  God  of  love  ; 

\nd  light  and  heav'nlv  peace  impart, 

Sweet  earnest  of  the  joys  above. 


GOD'S  HOLY  SPIRIT.  117 

HYMN  196    l.  m 

A  MIDST  a  world  of  hopes  and  fears, 
-£*►  A  world  of  cares,  and  toils,  and  tears, 
Where  foes  alarm,  and  danger!  threat, 
And  pleasures  kill,  and  glories  cheat: 

2.  Send  down,  O  Lord  !  a  heav'nly  ray 
To  guide  me  in  the  doubtful  A\ay  ; 
And  o'er  me  hold  thy  shield  of  pow'r, 
To  guard  me  in  the  dang'rous  hour. 

3.  Teach  me  the  flatt'ring  paths  to  shun, 
In  which  the  thoughtless  many  run, 
"Who  for  a  shade  the  substance  miss, 
And  grasp  their  ruin  in  their  bliss. 

i.  May  never  pleasure,  wealth,  or  pride, 
Allure  my  wand'ring  soul  aside  ; 
But  thro'  this  maze  of  mortal  ill, 
Safe  lead  me  to  thy  heav'nly  hill. 

HYMN   197    i .  m. 

1.  rpEACH  me,  O  teach  me,  Lord  !  thy  way  j 

J-    That,  to  my  life's  remotest  day, 
By  thy  unerring  precepts  led, 
My  feet  thy  heav'nly  paths  may  tread. 

2.  Inform 'd  by  thee,  with  sacred  awe 
My  heart  shall  meditate  thy  law  ; 
And,  with  celestial  wisdom  fill'd, 
To  thee  a  pure  obedience  yield. 

3.  Give  me  to  know  thy  will  aright, 
Thy  will,  my  glory  and  delight ; 
That,  rais'd  above  the  world,  my  mind 
In  thee  its  highest  good  may  find. 

:.  O  turn  from  vanity  mine  eye  ; 
To  me  thy  quiek'ning  strength  supply; 
And  with  thy  promit'd  mercy  eh 
A  heart  devoted  to  thy  fear. 

HYMN  198-  cm. 

1.  f\  that  the  Lord  would  guide  my  ways, 
^  To  keep  his  statutes  ^till  ! 
O  that  my  God  would  grant  me  grace. 
To  know  and  do  his  will ! 


118  THE  SCRIPTURES. 

2.  Order  my  footsteps  by  thy  word, 

And  make  my  heart  sincere  ; 
Let  sin  have  no  dominion,  Lord, 
But  keep  my  conscience  clear. 

3.  Assise  my  soul,  too  apt  to  stray, 

A  stricter  watch  to  keep ; 
And,  should  1  e'er  forget  thy  way, 
Restore  thy  wand'ring  sheep. 

4.  Make  me  to  walk  in  thy  commands ; 

Tis  a  delightful  road I: 
Nor  let  my  head,  or  heart,  or  hands, 
Offend  against  my  God. 


XII. 
THE  SCRIPTURES 

HYMN  199.  s.  m. 

1.  T>EHOLD  !  the  morning  sun 
-■-*  Begins  his  glorious  way  : 

His  beams  through  all  the  nations  run, 
And  life  and  light  convey. 

2.  But  where  the  gospel  comes, 

It  spreads  diviner  light ; 
It  calls  dead  sinners  from  their  tombs. 
And  gives  the  blind  their  sight. 
.}.  How  perfect  is  thy  word  ! 

And  all  thy  judgments  just ! 
For  ever  sure  thy  promise,  Lord, 
And  men  securely  trust. 
4.  My  gracious  God  !  how  plain 
Are  thy  directions  giv'n  ! 
O  may  I  never  read  in  vain, 
Rut  find  the  path  to  heav'n  ! 

HYMN  200    r.  H 

1.  T  love  the  volumes  of  thy  word: 

A   What,  light  and  joy  those  haves  afford 
To  souls  benighted' and  distrest ! 


THE  SCRIPTURES.  119 

Thy  precepts  guide  my  doubtful  way  ; 
Thy  fear  forbids  my  feet  to  stray  ; 
Thy  promise  leads  my  heart  to  rest. 

c2.  From  the  discov'ries  of  thy  law, 
The  perfect  rules  of  life  I  draw  ; 

These  are  my  study  and  delight : 
Not  honey  so  invites  the  taste, 
Nor  gold  that  hath  the  furnace  past 

Appeal's  so  pleasing  to  the  sight. 
3.  Thy  threat'nings  wake  my  slumb'ring  eyes, 
And  warn  me  where  my  danger  lies  ; 

But  'tis  thy  blessed  gospel,  Lord, 
That  makes  my  guilty  conscience  clean, 
Converts  my  soul,  subdues  my  sin, 

And  gives  a  free,  but  large  reward, 
i.  Who  knows  the  errors  of  his  thoughts  ? 
My  God  !  forgive  my  secret  faults, 

And  from  presumptuous  sins  restrain. 
Accept  my  poor  attempts  of  praise, 
That  I  have  read  thy  book  of  grace 

And  book  of  nature  not  in  vain. 

HYMN  201.  s.  m. 

1.  T>EHOLD !  the  lofty  sky 
-*-*  Declares  its  Maker  God ; 
And  all  his  starry  works  on  high 

Proclaim  his  pow'r  abroad. 

2.  The  darkness  and  the  light 

Still  keep  their  course  the  same ; 
While  night  to  day  and  day  to  night 
Divinely  teach  his  name. 

3.  Ye  Christian  lands  rejoice ; 

Here  he  reveals  his  word: 
We  are  not  left  to  nature's  voice, 
To  bid  us  know  the  Lord. 

i.  His  statutes  and  commands 

Are  set  before  our  eyes ; 
He  puts  his  gospel  in  our  hands, 

Where  our  salvation  lies. 
!  lib  laws  are  just  and  pure, 

His  truth  without  deceit- 


120  THE  SCRIPTURES 

His  promises  tor  ever  sure, 

And  his  rewards  are  greatv 
6.  While  of  thy  works  1  sing, 

Thy  glory  to  proclaim ; 
Accept,  the  praise,  my  God,  my  King, 

In  my  Redeemer's  name. 

HYMN  202.  c.  m. 

J.  I"  ET  all  the  heathen  writers  join, 
■"  To  form  one  perfect  hook  : 
Great  God  !  if  once  compar'd  with  thine, 
How  mean  their  writings  look ! 

2.  Not  the  most  perfect  rules  they  gave 
Could  shew  one  sin  forgiv'n, 
Nor  lead  a  step  beyond  the  grave : 
But  thine  conduct  to  heav'n. 
5.  Lord,  I  have  made  thy  word  my  choice, 
My  lasting  heritage  ; 
There  shall  my  noblest  pow'rs  rejoice. 
My  wannest  thoughts  engage. 

4.  I'll  read  the  hist'ries  of  thy  love, 

And  keep  thy  laws  in  sight, 
While  through  thy  promises  I  rove 
With  ever  fresh  delight. 

5.  'Tis  a  broad  land  of  wealth  unknown, 

Where  springs  of  life  arise, 
Seeds  of  immortal  bliss  are  sown, 
And  hidden  glory  lies. 

HYMN  203.  c.  m. 

1,  T  ET  av'rice  borne  from  shore  to  shon. . 
-*-*  Her  fav'rite  god  pursue  : 

Thy  word,  O  Lord,  we  value  more 
Than  India  or  Peru. 

2.  Here  mines  of  knowledge,  love,  and  joy. 

Are  open'd  to  our  sight; 
The  purest  gold  without  alloy, 
And  gems  divinely  bright. 
;J.  The  counsels  of  redeeming  grace 
These  sacred  leaves  unfold  : 


THE  SCRIPTURES*  l-l 

And  here  the  Su\iour*s  lovely  face 
Our  raptur'd  eyes  behold. 
•i.  Here  light  descending  from  above, 
Directs  our  doubtful  feet ; 
Here  promises  of  heav'nlv  love 
Our  ardent  wishes  meet. 
.  .  Our  num'rous  griefs  are  here  redrest, 
And  all  our  wants  supplied: 
Nought  we  can  ask  to  make  us  blest 
Is  m  this  book  denied. 
fj.  For  these  inestimable  gains, 
That  so  enrich  the  mind, 
O  may  we  search  with  eager  pains, 
Assur'd  that  we  shall  find  ! 

HYMN  204-  c.  m. 

1.  T^ATHER  of  mercies,  in  thy  word 
-T    What  endless  glory  shines  ! 
For  ever  be  thy  name  ador'd 
For  these  celestial  lines. 
c2.  Here  may  the  wretched  sons  of  want 
Exhaustless  riches  find ; 
Riches,  above  what  earth  can  grant, 
And  lasting  as  the  mind. 

3.  Here  the  fair  tree  of  knowledge  grows. 

And  yields  a  free  repast ; 
Sublimer  sweets  than  nature  knows 
Invite  the  longing  taste. 

4.  Here  the  Redeemer's  welcome  voice 

Spreads  heav'nlv  peace  around  ; 
And  life  and  everlasting  joys 
Attend  the  blissful  sound. 

5.  O  may  these  heav'nlv  pages  be 

My  ever  dear  delight ; 
And  still  new  beauties  may  I  see. 
And  still  increasing  light ! 
f).  Divine  Instructer,  gracious  Lord  ! 
Be  thou  for  ever  near  ; 
Teach  me  to  love  thy  sacred  word. 
And  view  rav  Saviour  there, 
L 


122  THE  SCRIPTl  : 

HYMN  205    i-  m. 

1.  T^AR  hence,  each  superstition  vain, 
■T    \Vild  offspring  of  the  human  brain  . 
The  truths,  that  fill  thy  hallow  W  page, 

My  happier  choice,  great  God  !  eti£age. 

2.  O  ever  faithful  to  thy  word, 

Do  thou  thy  vital  strength  afford  ; 
Thy  help  impart,  eternal  Sire  ! 
Nor  let  my  hope  in  shame  expire. 

3.  Sustain'd  by  thy  almighty  aid, 

What  danger  shall  my  soul  invade  ; 
Nor  error's  cloud,  nor  arts  of  sin 
My  soul  from  thy  obedience  win. 

HYMN  206.  cm. 

3.  TTOW  precious  is  the  book  divine, 
Al  By  inspiration  giv'n  ! 
Bright  as  a  lamp  its  doctrines  shine, 
To  guide  our  souls  to  heav'n. 
2.  It  sweetly  cheers  our  drooping  hearts 
In  this  dark  vale  of  tears; 
Life,  light,  and  joy,  it  still  imparts, 
And  quells  our  rising  fears. 
,">.  This  lamp,  through  all  the  tedious  nighl 
Of  life,  shall  guide  our  way, 
'Till  we  behold  a  clearer  light 
Of  an  eternal  day. 

HYMN  207.  o.  m. 

1.  VI7"HAT  &l°ry  gilds  the  sacred  page, 

*  *     Majestic  like  the  sun  ! 
It  gives  a  light  to  ev'ry  age  ; 
It  gives,  but  borrows  none. 

2.  The  hand,  that  gave  it,  still  supplier 

His  gracious  light  and  heat. 
His  truths  upon  the  nations  rise  ; 
They  rise,  but  never  set. 

3.  Let  everlasting  thanks  be  thine, 

For  such  a  bright  display  . 


THE  SCRIPTURES.  l±3 

Vs  makes  a  world  of  darkness  shine 
With  beams  of  heav'nly  day. 

soul  rejoices  to  pursue 
Tin-  oaths  of  truth  and  love, 
Till  glory  breaks  upon  my  view 
In  brighter  worlds  above. 

HYMN  208    cm. 

I.T  ADEX  witb  guilt,  and  full  of  fears 
-*-*  I  By  to  thee,  my  Lord  ; 
And  not  a  i*ay  of  hope  appears, 
But  in  thy  written  word, 
&  The  volume  of  ray  Father's  grace 
Does  all  my  grief  assuage  ; 
Here  1  behold  my  Saviour's  face 
Almost  in  ev'ry  page. 
S.  This  is  the  field,  where  hidden  ii<  s 
The  pearl  of  price  unknown  ; 
That  merchant  is  divinely  wise, 
Mho  makes  the  pearl  his  own. 
I. This  is  the  Judge,  that  ends  the  strife. 
Where  wit  and  reason  fail  ; 
My  guide  to  everlasting  life. 
Through  all  this  gloomy  rale. 
'".  0  mav  thy  counsels,  mighty  (iod  ' 
My  roving  feet  command  ; 
Voi-  I  forsake  the  happy  road, 
That  leads  to  thy  right  hand  ! 

HYMN  209.  l.  m. 

I.  f~^  OD,  in  the  gospel  of  his  Son 

^■*    Makes  his  eternal  counsels  known  : 

'Tis  here  his  richest  mercy  shines, 

And  truth  is  drawn  in  fairest  lines. 
idora  its  dictates  here  imparts. 

To  form  our  minds,  to  cheer  our  hearts; 

Its  influence  makes  the  sinner  live, 

it  bids  the  drooping  saint  revive. 
3.  Our  raging  passions  it  controls, 

And  pomiort  yields  io contrite  souls; 


124  SUPPLICATION  FOR  THE 

It  brings  a  better  world  in  view, 
And  guides  us  all  our  journey  through. 
4.  May  this  blest  volume  ever  lie 

Close  to  my  heart,  and  near  my  eye  ; 
'Till  life's  last  hour  my  soul  engage, 
And  be  my  chosen  heritage  ! 

HYMN  210.  l.  m. 

1.  'HPWAS  by  an  order  from  the  Lord, 

■*-    The  ancient  prophets  spoke  his  word ; 
His  spirit  did  their  tongues  inspire, 
And  warm'd  their  hearts  with  heav'nly  fire. 

2.  The  works  and  wonders,  which  they  wrought, 
Confirm'd  the  messages  they  brought. 

The  prophet's  pen  succeeds  his  breath, 
To  save  the  holy  words  from  death. 

3.  Great  God  !  mine  eyes  with  pleasure  look 
On  the  dear  volume  of  thy  book ; 
There  my  Redeemer's  face  I  see, 

And  read  his  name  who  died  for  me. 

4.  Let  the  false  raptures  of  the  mind 
Be  lost,  and  vanish  in  the  wind. 
Here  I  can  fix  my  hope  secure  : 
This  is  thy  word,  and  must  endure. 


XIII. 

SUPPLICATION  FOR  THE  DIVINE 

FAVOUR  AND  ASSISTANCE. 

HYMN  211.  o.  m. 

t.  "RATHER  of  all  !  eternal  mind  ! 
*-    Immensely  good  and  great ! 
Thy  children,  form'd  and  bless'd  by  thee, 
Approach  thy  heav'nly  seat. 
2.  Thy  name  in  hallow  M  strains  be  sung: 
we  join  the  solemn  praise  ; 
To  thy  great  name,  with  heart  and  tongue, 
Our  cheerful  homage  raise. 


DIVINE  FAVOUR  &c.  V25 

...Thy  niihl,  thy  wise,  and  righteous  reign, 
Let  ev'ry  being  own  : 
Vial  in  our  minds,  thy  work  divine, 
Erect  thy  gracious  throne. 

4.  As  angels  in  the  heav'nly  worlds 

Thy  bless'd  commands  fulfil ; 
So  may  thy  creatures  here  below 
Perform  thy  holy  will. 

5.  On  thee  we  day  by  day  depend  : 

Our  daily  wants  supply  ; 
With  truth  and  virtue  teed  our  souls, 

That  they  may  never  die. 
6. Extend  thy  grace  to  ev'ry  fault; 

O  !  let  thy  love  forgive. 
Teach  us  divine  forgiveness  too, 

Nor  let  resentments  live. 

7.  Where  tempting  snares  bestrew  the  wa\« 

Permit  us  not  to  tread  ; 
Or  turn  all  real  evil  far 
From  our  unguarded  head. 

8.  Thy  sacred  name  we  would  adore 

With  cheerful  humble  mind  ; 
And  praise  thy  goodness,  pow'r  and  truth, 
Eternal,  unconfin'd  ! 

HYMN  212   o.  m. 

1.  A  UTHOll  of  good  !  we  rest  on  thee  : 
-£»•  Thine  ever- watchful  eye 

Alone  our  real  wants  can  sees 
Thy  hand  alone  supply. 

2.  Oh  !  let  thy  pow'r  within  us  dwell. 

Thy  love  our  footsteps  guide  ! 
That  love  shall  vainer  loves  expel, 
That  fear  all  fears  beside. 

3.  And  since*,  by  passion's  force  subdu'd, 

Too  oft,  with  stubborn  will, 

We  blindly  plum  the  latent  good, 

And  grasp  the  specious  ill : 

v  hat  we  wish,  but  what  we  want 
Let  mercy  still  supply : 
I.  2 


126  SUPPLICATION  FOR  THE 

The  good,  unask'd,  let  mercy  grant, 
The  ill,  though  ask'd,  deny. 

HYMN  218    c.  m. 

1.  f~\  God  of  Jacob,  by  whose  hand 
^-7  Thy  people  still  are  fed  ; 
"Who,  through  his  weary  pilgrimage. 

Hast  all  our  fathers  led  ! 

2.  To  thee  our  humble  vows  Ave  raise. 

To  thee  address  our  pray'r  ; 
And  in  thy  kind  and  faithful  breast 
Deposit  all  our  care. 

3.  Through  each  perplexing  path  of  life 

Our  wand'ring  footsteps  guide  ; 
Give  us  by  day  our  daily  bread, 
And  raiment  fit  provide. 

4.  O  !  spread  thy  cov'ring  wings  around. 

Till  all  our  wand'rings  cease; 
And  at  our  Father's  lov'd  abode 
Our  souls  arrive  in  peace  ! 

5.  To  thee,  as  to  our  cov'nant-God, 

We'll  our  whole  selves  resign  : 
And  thankful  own,  that  all  we  arc, 
And  all  we  have  is  thine. 

HYMN  214.  q.  m. 

l.Tf  ATIIEU  of  all  !  whose  cares  extend 
*-     To  earth's  remotest  shore  : 
Through  ev'ry  age  let  praise  ascend. 
And  ev'ry  clime  adore. 

2.  If  I  am  right,  thy  grace  impart, 

Still  in  the  right  to  stay; 
If  I  am  wrong,  ()  teach  my  heart, 
To  find  that  better  way  ! 

3.  What  conscience  dictates  to  be  done, 

Or  warns  me  not  to  do : 
This,  teach  me  more  than  hell  to  shun  ; 
That,  more  than  hcav'n  pursue. 
\.  Save  me  alike  from  foolish  pride, 
Or  impious  discontent 


DIVINE  FAVOUR  fee.  127 

At  aught  thy  wisdom  has  deny'd, 
Or  aught  thy  goodness  lent. 

5.  Let  not  this  weak  unknowing  hand 

Presume  thy  holts  to  throw, 
And  deal  damnation  round  the  land 
On  eacli  I  judge  thy  foe. 

6.  Teach  me  to  feel  another's  wo, 

To  hide  the  fault  I  see. 

That  mercy  I  to  others  show, 

That  mercy  show  to  me. 

7.  This  day  he  bread  and  peace  my  lot:— • 

All  else  beneatli  the  sun. 
Thou  know'st  if  best  bestow'd  or  not; 

And  let  thy  will  be  done. 
S. To  thee,  whose  temple  is  all  space; 

Whose  altar,  earth,  sea,  skies: 
One  chorus  let  all  beings  raise, 

All  nature's  incense  rise  ! 

HYMN  215    s.  m. 

1.  A  LM1GHTY  Lord  of  all  ! 
-£*-  Of  life  the  only  spring  ! 
Creator  of  unnumber'd  worlds  ! 

Supreme,  eternal  King  ! 

2.  Preserve  me  from  deceit, 

Impenitence  and  pride ; 
Nor  let  me  in  forbidden  paths. 
With  thoughtless  sinners,  glide. 

3.  What  thine  unerring  eye 

Sees  for  thy  creature  fit ! 
I'll  bless  the  good,  and  to  the  ill 
Contentedly  submit. 

4.  With  pleasure  let  me  view 

The  prosp'rous  and  the  great; 
Malignant  envy  let  me  fly, 

And  odious  selfconceit. 
.  Let  no  despair,  revenge, 

Be  to  my  bosom  known  : 
Oh  !  give  me  tears  for  others' 

And  patience  for  my  own. 


i28  SUPPLICATION  FOR  THE 

6.  Feed  me  with  needful  food  : 

I  ask  not  wealth  or  fame. 

Give  me  an  eye  to  see  thy  will, 

A  heart  to  bless  thy  name. 

7.  Still  let  my  days  be  past 

Without  remorse  or  care ; 
And  growing;  holiness  my  soul 
For  life's  last  hour  prepare  ! 

HYMN  216    c  m. 

L  TpATHER  of  mercies  !  God  of  love  ! 
A     My  Father  and  my  God  ! 
I'll  sing  the  honours  of  thy  name, 
And  spread  thy  praise  abroad. 

2.  In  ev'ry  period  of  my  life, 

Thy  thoughts  of  love  appear : 
Thy  mercies  gild  the  transient  scene, 
And  crown  each  passing  year. 

3.  In  all  these  mercies  may  my  soul 

A  Father's  bounty  see  ; 
Nor  let  the  gifts  thy  grace  bestow?, 
Estrange  my  heart  from  thee. 

4.  Teach  me,  in  limes  of  deep  distress. 

To  own  thy  hand,  O  God  ! 
And  in  submissive  silence  hear 

The  lessons  of  thy  rod. 
>.  Through  ev'ry  changing  state  of  life, 

Each  bright,  each  clouded  scene, 
Give  me  a  meek  and  humble  mind. 

Still  ecpial  and  serene. 
•S.Then  may  I  close  my  eyes  in  death, 

Free  from  all  anxious  fear: 
For  death  itself  is  life,  my  (iod  ! 

If  thou  art  with  me  there. 

HYMN  217.  r.  m. 
>.  ri^O  thee,  O  God  !  my  pray'r  ascends, 

-*-     Tint  not  for  golden  stores  ; 
Nor  covet  I  the  brightest  gems 
On  the  rich  eastern  show 


DIVINE  FAY  OUR,  &c.  129 

2.  Nor  that  'deluding  empty  joy 
Men  call  a  mighty  name, 
Nor  greatness  with  its  pride  and  state, 
My  restless  thoughts  inflame  :— * 
.3.  Nor  pleasure's  fascinating  charms 
My  fond  desires  allure: 
But  nobler  things  than  these,  from  thee/ 
My  wishes  would  secure. 

4.  The  faith  and  hope  of  joys  to  come 

My  best  affections  move ; 
Thy  light,  thy  favour,  and  thy  smiles, 
Thiue  everlasting  love. 

5.  These  are  the  blessings  I  desire  : 

Lord,  be  these  blessings  mine  ! 
And  all  the  glories  of  the  world 
I  cheerfully  resign. 

HYMN  218.  c.  m. 

1.  "\/f  V  God,  my  portion,  and  ray  love ! 
^A  My  everlasting  all ! 

I've  none  but  thee  in  heav'n  above, 
Or  on  this  earthly  ball. 

2.  In  vain  the  bright  meridian  sun 

Scatters  his  feeble  light  : 
Thy  brighter  beams  create  my  noon  ; 
If  thou  Avithdrau  ,  'tis  night. 

3.  And  while  upon  my  restless  bed, 

Amongst  the  shades  I  roll  ; 

If  God  his  light  around  me  shed, 

'Tis  morning  with  my  soul. 

4.  To  thee  I  owe  my  wealth  and  friends. 

And  health,  and  safe  abode. 
Thanks  to  thy  name  for  meaner  things; 
But  they  are  not  my  God. 

5.  If  T  possess'd  the  spacious  earth, 

And  calPd  the  stars  my  own  : 
"Without  thy  mercy  and  thy  love, 
I  Mere  a  wretch  undone. 
0.  Let  others  stretch  their  arms  like  sey*. 
And  grasp  in  all  the  shore : 


130  SUPPLICATION  FOR  THE 

Grant  me  to  see  thy  blissful  face, 
And  I  desire  no  more  ! 

HYMN  219.  c.  m. 

1.  f^  OD,  my  supporter  and  my  hope. 
^J  My  help  for  ever  near  ! 
Thine  arm  of  mercy  holds  me  up, 

And  saves  me  from  despair. 

2.  Thy  counsels,  Lord  !  shall  guide  my  feet. 

Through  this  dark  wilderness; 
Thy  hand  conduct  me  near  thy  seat, 
To  dwell  before  thy  face. 

3.  What  if  the  springs  of  life  were  broke. 

And  flesh  and  heart  should  faint  } 
God  is  my  soul's  eternal  rock, 

The  strength  of  ev'ry  saint. 
l  Behold,  the  sinners,  that  remove 

Far  from  thy  presence,  die  : 
Not  all  the  idol-gods  they  love 

Can  save  them  when  they  cry. 
5.  But  to  draw  near  to  thee,  my  God  ! 

Shall  be  my  sweet  employ, 
My  tongue  shall  sound  thy  works  abroad, 

And  tell  the  world  my  joy. 

HYMN"  220.  l.  m. 

1.  /^  RE  AT  God,  indulge  my  humble  claim 
^J   Be  thou  my  hope,  mv  joy,  my  rest ! 
The  glories  that  compose  thy  name, 

Stand  all  engag'd  to  make  me  blest. 

2.  Thou  great  and  good,  thou  just  and  wise. 

Thou  art  my  Father  and  my  God  ! 
Anil  I  am  thine  by  sacred  ties, 

Thy  child  and  servant,  bought  with  blood. 

3.  With  heart  and  eyes  and  lifted  hands, 

For  thee  I  long, for  thee  I  look, 
As  travellers  in  thirsty  lands 

Pant  for  the  pooling  water-brook, 
i.  Ev'n  life  itself,  without  thy  love, 
No  lasting  pleasure  can  afford 


DIVINE  FAVOUR,  kc  J 31 

Yea,  'twould  a  tiresome  burden  prove. 
If  I  were  banibh'd  from  thee,  Lord. 
.  1*11  lift  my  hands,  I'll  raise  my  voice, 

While  1  have  breath  to  pray  or  praise. 
This  work  shall  make  my  heart  rejoice, 
Throughout  the  remnant  of  my  days. 

HYMN  221.  l.    r. 

1.  (~\  thou,  to  whose  all-searching;  sight, 

"  The  darkness  shiueth  as  the  light ! 

Search,  prove  my  heart;  it  pants  for  th 

O  burst  these  bonds,  and  set  it  free. 
..  Wash  out  its  stains,  refine  its  dross  ; 

Nail  my  affections  to  the  cross; 

Hallow  each  thought ;  let  all  within 

Be  clean,  as  thou,  my  Lord,  art  dean* 
3.  If  in  this  darksome  wild  I  stray, 

Be  thou  my  light,  be  thou  my  way* 

No  foes,  no  violence  1  fear, 

No  fraud,  while  thou,  my  God,  art  Deal1 
i.  When  rising  floods  my  soul  o'erflow, 

A\  hen  sinks  my  heart  in  waves  of  wo ; 

Saviour,  thy  timely  aid  impart, 

And  raise  my  head,  and  cheer  my  heart. 
5.  If  rough  and  thorny  be  the  way, 

My  strength  proportion  to  my  day  ; 

"Till  toil,  and  grief,  and  pain  shall  cease, 

"Where  all  is  calm  and  joy  and  peace. 

HYMN  222.  l  m. 

t.  T)ESET  with  snares  on  ev'ry  hand, 
■*-*  In  life's  uncertain  path  I  stand: 
Father  divine  !  diffuse  thy  light, 
To  guide  my  doubtful  footsteps  right. 

2.  Engage  this  frail,  this  wav'ring  hearty 
Wisely  to  choose  the  better  part; 
To  scorn  the  trifles  of  a  day, 

For  joys  that  never  fade  away. 

3.  Then  let  the  wildest  storms  arise  ; 
Let  tempests  mingle  earth  and  skie*: 


SUPPLICATION  FOR  THE  DIVINE  &c. 

No  fatal  shipwreck  shall  I  fear, 
But  all  my  treasures  with  me  bear. 

4.  If  thou,  my  Father  !  still  be  nigh, 
Cheerful  I  live,  and  joyful  die  ; 
Secure,  when  mortal  comforts  flee, 
To  find  ten  thousand  worlds  in  thee. 

HYMN  223.  c.  m. 

1.  *\/|*Y  God,  the  visits  of  thy  face 
-L*-*-  Aft or d  superior  joy 

To  all  the  fiatt'ring  world  can  give. 
Or  mortal  hopes  employ. 

2.  But  clouds  and  darkness  intervene, 

My  brightest  joys  decline  ; 
And  earth's  gay  trifles  oft  ensnare 
This  wandering  heart  of  mine. 

3.  Lord,  guide  this  wand'ring  heart  to  thee  • 

Unsatisfied  I  stray  ; 
Break  through  the  shades  of  sense  and  sin 
With  thy  enliv'ning  ray. 

4.0  let  thy  beams  resplendent  shine, 
And  ev'ry  cloud  remove  ; 
Transform  my  pow'rs,  and  fitnvy  soul 
For  happier  scenes  above. 

5.  Lord,  raise  my  faith,  my  hope,  my  heart . 

To  those  transporting  joys  ; 
Then  shall  I  scorn  each  little  snare, 

Which  this  vain  world  employs. 
£.  Then,  though  I  sink  in  death's  cold  sleep 

To  life  I  shall  awake  ; 
And,  in  the  likeness  of  my  God, 

Of  heav'nly  bliss  partake. 

HYMN  224    l.  m. 

1.  TN  vain  my  roving  thoughts  would  find 
*■  A  portion  worthy  of  the  mind  : 

On  earth  my  soul  can  never  rest, 
For  earth  can  never  make  me  blest. 

2.  Can  lasting  happiness  be  found, 
Where  seasons  roll  their  hasty  round. 


THE  DANGER  AND  MISERY  fee.         133 

And  days  and  hours  with  rapid  flight 

Sweep  cares  and  pleasures  out  of  sight  ? 
be,  my  thoughts  !  my  heart  arise ! 

Leave  this  vain  world,  and  seek  the  skies : 

There  joys  for  evermore  shall  last, 

When  seasons,  days,  and  hours  are  past. 
i.  Thy  mercy,  Lord,  to  me  impart  : 

O  raise  my  thoughtless,  wand 'ring  heart 

To  pleasures  perfect  and  sublime, 

Unmeasur'd  by  the  wings  of  time. 
>.  Let  those  bright  worlds  of  endless  joy 

My  thoughts,  my  hopes,  my  cares  employ, 

No  more,  ye  restless  passions,  roam: 

God  is  my  bliss,  and  heav'n  my  home. 


XIV. 
THE  DANGER  AND  MISERY 

OF  SIN. 

HYMN  225.  l.  u 

1.  "\,TAN  has  a  soul  of  \ast  desires  ; 
-^A  He  burns  within  with  restless  fire?, 
Tost  to  and  fro,  his  passions  fly 

From  vanity  to  vanity. 

2.  In  vain  on  earth  we  hope  to  find 
Some  solid  good  to  fill  the  mind  ; 
We  try  new  pleasures,  but  we  feel 
The  inward  thirst  and  torment  still. 

3.  So,  when  a  raging  fever  burns, 
We  shift  from  side  to  side  by  turns ; 
And  'tis  a  poor  relief  we  gain, 

To  change  the  place,  but  keep  the  pain, 
i.  Great  God !  subdue  this  vicious  thirst, 
This  love  to  vanity  and  dust; 
Cure  the  vile  fever  of  the  mind, 
And  feed  our  souls  with  joys  refin'o*. 

M 


154  THE  DANGER  AND 

HYMN  226    c.  m. 

1.  "VVT^EN  in  the  VlSht  QffaiOi  divine 

*  »     We  look  on  things  below ; 

Ilonour,  and  gold,  and  sensual  joy, 

How  vain  and  dang'rous  too  ! 

2.  Honour's  a  pun"  of  noisy  breath  : 

Yet  men  expose  their  blood. 
And  venture  everlasting  death, 
To  gain  that  airy  good. 

3.  Whilst  others  starve  the  nobler  mind. 

And  feed  on  shining  dust, 
They  sacrifice  eternal  bliss 
To  mean  and  sordid  lust. 

4.  The  pleasures,  which  allure  our  sense. 

Are  dang'rous  snares  to  souls: 
There's  but  a  drop  of  flatt'ring  sweet, 
And  dash'd  with  bitter  bowls. 

5.  God  is  my  all-sufficient  gdod, 

My  portion  and  my  choice  ; 

In  him  my  vast  desires  are  fill'd, 

And  all  my  pow'rs  rejoice. 

HYMN  227.  c.  ft. 

1.  O INNERS  !  the  voice  of  God  regard  : 
^  'Tis  mercy  speaks  to-day  ; 

He  calls  you  by  his  gracious  word 
From  sin's  destructive  way. 

2.  Like  the  rough  sea  that  cannot  rest, 

You  live  devoid  of  peace  ; 
A  thousand  stings  within  your  breast 
Deprive  your  souls  of  ease. 

3.  Your  way  is  dark,  and  leads  to  hell : 

Why  will  you  persevere  ? 
Can  you  in  frightful  torments  dwell. 
Shut  up  in  black  despair  ? 

4.  Bow  to  the  sceptre  of  his  word, 

Renouncing  ev'ry  sin  ; 
Submit  to  him  your  sovereign  Lord. 
And  learn  his  will  divine. 


MISERY  OF  SIX. 
HYMN  228   l.  m. 

I.  TA^HY  will  ye  lavish  out  your  years 
*  *     Amidst  a  thousand  trifling  cares  r 

While,  in  the  various  range  of  thought, 

The  one  thing  needful  is  forgot. 
3.  Why  will  ye  chase  the  fleeting  wind, 

And  famish  an  immortal  mind; 

Whi|e  angels  with  regret  look  down, 

To  see  you  spurn  a  heav'nly  crown  ? 
3.  Th'  eternal  God  calls  from  above, 

And  Jesus  pleads  his  dying  love  ; 

Awaken'd  conscience  gives  you  pain: 

And  shall  they  join  their  pleas  in  vain  ? 
i.  Not  so  your  dying  eyes  shall  view 

Those  objects,  which  ye  now  pursue. 

Not  so  shall  heav'n  and  hell  appear, 

"When  the  decisive  hour  is  near. 
3.  Almighty  God  !  thine  aid  impart, 

To  fix  conviction  on  the  heart. 

Thy  pow'r  can  clear  the  darkest  eyes, 

And  make  the  haughtiest  scorner  wise. 

HYMN  229.  c.  m. 

1.  TJOW  long  shall  dreams  of  creature-bliss 
■*■  ■-  Our  flatt'ring  hopes  employ, 

And  mock  our  fond  deluded  eyes 
With  visionary  joy  f 

2.  How  wretched  they,  that  leave  the  Lord 

And  from  his  word  withdraw, 
That  lose  his  gospel  from  their  sight 
And  wander  from  his  law  ! 
I.  ()  thou  eternal  spring  of  good, 
"\\  hence  living  waters  flow  ! 
Let  not  our  thirsty  erring  souls 
To  broken  cisterns  go. 
i.  Like  characters  inscrib'd  in  dust, 
Are  sinners  borne  away  ; 
Vnd  all  the  treasures  they  can  boast, 
The  portion  of  a  day. 


156  THE  DANGER  AND 

HYMN  280    c    m. 

1.  "117 HO  shall  against  the  Lord  prevail  r 

*  »     Or  who  presume  to  say, 
"That  righteous  law,  which  God  proclaim?. 
"  I  dare  to  disohey  ?" 

2.  Ten  thousand  actions  cv'ry  where 

The  impious  language  speak  : 
Yet  pow'r  omnipotent  stands  by, 
Nor  do  its  thunders  break. 

5.  But  O  !  the  dreadful  day  draws  near, 
When  God's  avenging  hand 
Shall  shew,  if  feeble  mortals'  breath, 
Or  God's  own  word  shall  stand. 

4.  My  soul,  with  rev'rence  prostrate  fall, 

before  the  voice  divine  ; 
And  all  thine  int'rest  and  thy  pow'rs 
To  his  command  resign. 

5.  Let  the  vain  sons  of  Belial  boast. 

Their  tongues  and  thoughts  are  free: 
My  noblest  liberty  I  own, 
When  subject  most  to  thee. 

HYMN  231    i.  m. 


1.    A  RISE,  my  tend'rest  thoughts 
-^*-  To  torrents  melt  my  stream 


ts,  arise  ; 
t  my  streaming  eyes  ; 
And  thou,  my  heart,  with  anguish  feel 
Those  evils  which  thou  cans*,  not  heal. 
13.  See  human  nature  sunk  in  shame; 
See  scandals  pour'd  on  Jesus'  name  ; 
The  Father  wounded  through  the  Son  ; 
The  world  abus'd,  the  soul  undone. 

3.  My  God  !  I  feel  the  mournful  scene ; 
My  bowels  yearn  o'er  dying  men  ; 
And  fain  my  pity  would  reclaim, 

And  snatch  the  firebrands  from  the  flame. 

4.  But  f<  eble  my  compassion  proves, 

And  can  but  weep,  where  most  it  loves. 
Thy  own  all-sating  arm  employ, 
And  turn  these  drops  of  grief  to  joy 


MISERY  OF  SIN.  VM 

HYMN  232.  c.  m. 

>.  INDULGENT  God!  with  pitying  eye 
'     The  sons  of  men  survey. 
Alas  !  how  thoughtless  mortals  sport 
In  sin's  destructive  way  ! 
■2.  Ten  thousand  dangers  lurk  around, 
To  bear  them  to  the  tomb : 
Eacli  passing  hour  may  place  them  where 
Repentance  cannot  come. 
.3.  Reclaim,  0  Lord  !  their  wand 'ring  minds, 
Amus'd  by  airy  dreams  ; 
That  heav'nlv  wisdom  may  dispel 
Their  visionary  schemes. 
X.  Guide  and  direct  them  by  thy  word, 
Their  dang'rous  state  to  see  ; 
That  they  may  seek  and  find  the  path, 
That  leads  to  heav'n  and  thee. 

HYMN  888.  s.  m. 

Evil  effect*  of  neglected  education. 
1.  TlEHOLD,  O  Israel's  God  ! 
-L*  From  thine  exalted  throne, 
And  view  the  dang'rous  state  of  those 
Thou  call'st  to  be  thy  own. 
'2.  The  children  of  thy  flock. 
By  early  cov'nant  thine, 
Sec,  how  they  pour  their  bleeding  souls. 
On  ev'ry  idol's  shrine  ! 
,i.To  indolence  and  pride 

What  piteous  victims  made  ! 
Crush 'd  in  their  parent's  fond  embrace, 
And  by  their  love  betray 'd. 
4.  By  pleasure's  polish 'd  dart 

What  numbers  here  are  slain  ! 
What  numbers  there  for  slaughter  bound 
In  Mammon's  golden  chain  ! 
>.  O  let  thine  arm  awake 

And  dash  the  Idols  down : 
O  call  the  captives  of  their  pow'r, 
Thv  treasure  and  thy  crown. 
M  2 


138  THE  DANGER  AND 

6.  Thee  let  the  fathers  own, 
And  thee  the  sons  adore ; 
Join'd  to  the  Lord  hy  solemn  vows. 
To  be  forgot  no  more  ! 

HYMN  284.  s.  m. 

1.  nnHE  man  is  ever  blest, 

-*-    Who  shuns  the  sinner's  ways  ; 
Amongst  their  councils  never  stands, 
Nor  takes  the  scorner's  place ; 
"2.  But  makes  the  law  of  God 
His  study  and  delight, 
Amidst  the  labours  of  the  day, 
And  watches  of  the  night 
J.  He  like  a  tree  shall  thrive, 
With  waters  near  the  root ; 
Fresh  as  the  leaf  his  name  shall  live ; 
His  works  are  heav'nly  fruit. 

4.  Not  so  th'  ungodly  race, 

They  no  such  blessings  find  ; 
Their  hopes  shall  flee  like  empty  chaff 
Before  the  driving  wind. 

5.  How  will  they  bear  tc  stand 

Before  that  judgment-seat, 
Where  all  the  saints  at  Christ's  right  hand 
In  full  assembly  meet  ? 

6.  He  knows  and  he  approves 

The  way  the  righteous  go : 
But  sinners  and  their  works  shall  meet 
A  dreadful  overthrow. 

HYMN  285.  c.  m. 

1 .  (\H  !  how  my  fears  the  dangers  move, 
^^  That  virtue's  path  inclose  ! 
While  I  the  wise  pursuit  approve, 

Alas,  what  toils  oppose  ! 

2.  For  see  !  ah  see  !  while  yet  her  ways 

With  doubtful  step  I  triad, 

A  hostile  world  its  terrors  raise, 

Its  snares  delusive  spread. 


MISERY  OF  SIX.  139 

.  Oh  !  how  shall  I,  with  heart  prepar'd, 

Those  terrors  learn  to  meet ; 
How,  from  the  thousand  snares,  to  guard 
And  to  restrain  ray  feet  ? 

4.  But,  why  art  thou  cast  down,  my  soul  ? 

Say  why,  distrustful  still, 
Thy  thoughts  with  vain  impatience  roll 
O'er  scenes  of  future  ill ! 

5.  Let  faith  suppress  each  rising  fear, 

Each  anxious  doubt  exclude  : 
Thy  Maker's  will  hath  plac'd  thee  here, 

Thy  Maker  wise  and  good. 
C).  He  to  thy  ev'ry  trial  knows 

Its  just  restraints  to  give: 
Attentive  to  behold  thy  woes, 

And  faithful  to  relieve. 
T.  Tho'  griefs  unnumber'd  throng  thee  round, 

Still  in  thy  God  confide ; 
Whose  finger  marks  the  seas  their  bound, 

And  curbs  the  rolling  tide. 

HYMN  2S6   l.  si. 

1.  A  WAKE,  my  soul !  lift  up  thine  eyes  ; 
-£*•  See  where  thy  foes  against  thee  rise 
In  long  array,  a  num'rous  host ; 
Awake,  my  soul  !  or  thou  art  lost 

2.  Here  giant  danger  threat'ning  stands, 
Must'ring  his  pale  terrific  bands  : 
There  pleasure's  silken  banners  spread, 
And  willing  souls  are  captive  led. 

8.  See  where  rebellious  passions  rage, 

And  fierce  desires  and  lusts  engage ; 

The  meanest  foe  of  all  the  train 

Has  thousands  and  ten  thousands  slain, 
i.  Thou  tread'st  upon  enchanted  ground ; 

Perils  and  snares  beset  thee  round : 

Beware  of  all,  guard  ev'ry  part, 

But  most,  the  traitor  in  thy  heart. 
:.  Come  then,  my  soul  !  now  learn  to  wield 

The  weight  of  thine  immortal  shield  ; 


140         THE  DANGER  AND  MISERY  &e. 

Put  on  the  armour  from  above 
Of  heav'nly  truth  and  heav'nly  love. 
6.  The  terror  and  the  charm  repel, 

And  pow'rs  of  earth,  and  pow'rs  of  hell 
Thy  Lord  and  Captain  triumph  *d  here  : 
Why  should  his  faithful  followers  fear  3 

HYMN  2§7.  c  m. 

1.  T  011D,  when  iniquities  abound, 
-*-*  And  growing  crimes  appear; 
We  view  the  deluge  rising  round, 

With  sorrow  and  with  fear. 

2.  Yet,  when  its  waves  most  fiercely  beat, 

And  spread  destruction  wide  ; 
Thy  spirit  can  a  standard  raise 
To  stem  the  roaring  tide. 

3.  May  thy  triumphant  arm  awake. 

Thy  sacred  cause  to  plead  ; 

And  let  the  multitude  confess, 

That  thou  art  God  indeed. 

4.  O  let  thy  grace  dispose  their  hearts, 

Tp  bow  before  thy  hand; 
And  let  their  stubborn  necks  be  bent. 
To  own  thy  just  command. 

5.  Our  feeble  souls  do  thou  support; 

In  us  thy  pow'r  display: 
And  multitudes  shall  strive  in  vain 
To  draw  us  from  thy  way. 

HYMN  288.  c.  m. 

1 .  HPHE  Lord  into  his  vineyard  comes, 
-*-    Our  various  fruit  to  see  ; 
His  eye,  more  piercing  than  the  light. 
Examines  ev'ry  tree. 
l2.  Tremble  ye  sinners,  at  his  frown, 
If  barren  still  ye  stand  ; 
And  fear  that  keenly-wounding  axe. 
Which  arms  his  awful  bund. 
}.  Lord,  we  adore  thy  sparing  love 
Thy  long-expecting  grace  : 


REPENTANCE  AND  CONVERSION.       141 

Else  had  we  low  in  ruin  fall'n, 

And  known  no  more  our  place. 
4.  Succeeding  years  thy  patience  waits; 

Nor  let  it  wait  in  vain : 
But  form  in  us  abundant  fruit, 

And  still  this  fruit  maintain. 

HYMN  289.  l.  m. 

1.  TJ  AISE,  thoughtless  sinner,  raise  thine  eye  j 
-I*  Behold  God's  balance  lifted  high  : 
There  shall  his  justice  be  display'd, 

And  there  thy  hope  and  life  be  weigh'd. 

2.  See  in  one  scale  his  perfect  law ; 

Mark  with  what  force  its  precepts  draw : 

Would 'st  thou  the  awful  test  sustain, 

Thy  works  how  light  !  thy  thoughts  how  vain  ! 

*.  Great  God  !  exert  thy  pow'r  to  save ; 
Deep  on  the  heart  this  truth  engrave ; 
Disperse  the  mist  from  sinners'  eyes, 
And  make  the  wretched  triflers  wise. 

4.  O  let  them  seize  the  present  day, 
Nor  risk  salvation  by  delay  ; 
And,  while  they  tremble,  let  them  flee, 
And  find  their  help,  their  life,  in  thee. 


XV. 
REPENTANCE  Sc  CONVERSION 

HYMN  240    l.  m. 

1.  OHEW  pity,  Lord  !  O  Lord,  forgive  ! 
^  Let  a  repenting  sinner  live. 

Are  not  thy  mercies  large  and  free  ? 
May  not  the  contrite  trust  in  thee  ? 

2.  With  shame  my  nunrrous  sins  I  trace 
Against  thy  law,  against  thy  grace  ; 

And,  though  my  prav'r  thou  shouldst  not  hear, 
My  doom  is  just,  and  thou  art  clear. 


142       REPENTANCE  AND  CONVERSION, 

3.  Yet  save  a  penitent,  O  Lord  ! 

"Whose  hope,  still  hov'ring  round  thy  word, 
Seeks  for  some  precious  promise  there, 
Some  sure  support  against  despair. 

4.  My  sins  are  great,  but  don't  surpass 
The  riches  of  eternal  grace. 

Great  God  !  thy  nature  hath  no  bound  : 
So  let  thy  pard'ning  love  be  found. 

5.  O  wash  my  soul  from  ev'ry  stain, 
Nor  let  the  guilt  I  mourn  remain. 
Give  me  to  hear  thy  pard'ning  voice, 
And  bid  my  bleeding  heart  rejoice. 

6.  Then  shall  thy  love  inspire  my  tongue ; 
Salvation  shall  be  all  my  song ; 

And  ev'ry  pow'r  shall  join  to  bless 

The  Lord,  my  strength  and  righteousness. 

HYMN  241.  l.  m. 

1.  f\  thou  tli at  hear'st  when  sinners  cry  ! 
"  Though  all  my  crimes  before  thee  lie„ 
Behold  them  not  with  angry  look, 

But  blot  their  mem'ry  from  thy  book. 

2.  Create  my  nature  pure  within, 
And  form  my  soul  averse  to  sin: 
Let  thy  good  Spirit  ne'er  depart, 
Nor  hide  thy  presence  from  my  heart. 

3.1  cannot  live  without  thy  light, 

Cast  out  and  banish  M  from  thy  sight; 
Thy  holy  joys,  ()  God,  restore, 
And  guard  me  that  1  fall  no  more. 

4.  A  broken  heart,  my  God,  my  King, 
Is  all  the  sacrifice  I  bring : 

The  God  of  grace  will  ne'er  despise 
A  broken  heart  for  sacrifice. 

5.  My  soul  lies  humbled  in  the  dust. 
And  owns  thv  dreadful  sentence  just: 
Look  down,  O  Lord,  with  pitying  eye, 
And  save  the  soul  condemn'd  to  die. 

HYMN  242.  l.  m. 

1.  flPPRfiSS'd  with  guilt,  or  grief,  or  care, 
"  Great  God  !  thy  humble  suppliants  I 


REPENTANCE  AND  CONVERSION.       143 

Though  sunk,  we  ne'er  can  sink  so  low, 
But  thou  canst  hear  the  voice  of  wo. 
J.  Should'st  thou  against  each  evil  deed 
In  strict  severity  proceed : 
By  merit,  without  mercy,  tried, 
None  could  be  clear'd  and  justified. 

3.  Bat  thou  forgiveness  dost  proclaim, 
That  men  may  turn  and  fear  thy  name. 
To  thy  rich  grace,  O  Lord  !  we  fly, 
And  on  thy  promises  rely. 

4.  Ye  contrite  hearts,  who  guilt  deplore  ! 
Come,  seek  his  face,  and  sin  no  more. 
Then,  shall  ye  know  that  God  is  kind., 
And  full  redemption  with  him  find. 

HYMN  24S.  c  m. 

1.  "\T17HEN  rising  from  the  bed  of  death, 
*  »    O'erwhelm'd  with  guilt  and  fear, 
I  see  my  Maker  face  to  face, 
O  how  shall  I  appear ! 
L2.  If  yet,  while  pardon  may  be  found, 
And  mercy  may  be  sought, 
My  heart  with  inward  horror  shrinks, 
And  trembles  at  the  thought : — 
>,  When  thou,  O  Lord  I  shalt  stand  disclos'd 
In  majesty  severe, 
And  sit  in  judgment  on  my  soul, 
O  how  shall  1  appear  ! 

V.  But  there's  forgiveness,  Lord,  with  thee  ; 
Thy  nature  is  benign. 
Thy  pard'ning  mercy  I  implore ; 
For  mercy,  Lord,  is  thine. 
.-.  O  let  thy  boundless  mercy  shine 
On  my  benighted  soul ! 
Correct  my  passions,  mend  my  heart. 
And  all  my  fears  control. 
0.  And  may  1  taste  thy  richer  grace 
In  that  decisive  hour, 
When  Christ  to  judgment  shall  descend. 
\r:»l  time  shall  be  no  men:. 


144        REPENTANCE  AND  CONVERSION. 
HYMN  244    c.  m. 

1.  T>ERPETUAL  source  nf  light  and  grace  ! 
A    \\Te  hail  thy  sacred  name. 

Through  ev'ry  year's  revolving  round, 
Thy  goodness  is  the  same. 

2.  Inconstant  service  we  repay, 

And  treach'rous  vows  renew, 
False  as  the  morning's  scattering  cloud. 
And  transient  as  the  dew. 

3.Xow  at  thy  feet  our  guilt  we  mourn, 
And  loud  implore  thy  grace, 
To  bear  our  feeble  footsteps  on 
In  all  thy  righteous  ways. 

4.  Arm'd  with  this  energy  divine, 

Our  souls  shall  constant  prove, 
And  with  increasing  transport  press 
On  to  thy  courts  above. 

5.  So,  by  thy  pow'r,  the  morning  sun 

Pursues  his  radiant  way, 
Brightens  each  moment  in  his  race, 
And  shines  to  perfect  day. 

HYMN  245    p.m. 

1.  f^  OD  of  mercy  !  God  of  grace  ! 
^J   Hear  our  sad  repentant  songs. 
O  restore  thy  suppliant  race, 

Thou  to  whom  our  praise  belongs 

2.  Deep  regret  for  follies  past, 

Talents  wasted,  time  mispent; 
Hearts  debas'd  by  worldly  cares, 
Thankless  for  the  blessings  lent ; 

3.  Foolish  fears  and  fond  desires, 

Yam  regrets  for  things  as  vain ; 
Lips  too  seldom  taught  to  praise, 
Oft  to  murmur  and  complain. 
4*.  These,  and  ev'ry  secret  fault, 

Fill'd  with  grief  and  shame  we  owi. 
Humbled  at  thy  feet  we  lie, 
Seeking  pardon  from  thy  tfirone. 


REPENTANCE  AND  CONVERSION.      145 

5.  God  of  mercy  I  God  of  grace  ! 
Hear  our  sud  repentant  songs. 
O  restore  thy  suppliant  race, 

Thou,  to  whom  our  praise  belongs  * 

HYMN  246    p.  it. 

I,  T>LEST  Instructor !  from  thy  ways. 

-£*  Who  can  tell,  how  oft  he  strays  f 

Save  from  error's  growth  my  mind ; 

Leave  not,  Lord,  one  root  behind. 
'2.  Cleanse  me  from  the  guilt,  that  lies 

Wrapt  within  my  heart's  disguise  ; 

Let  me  thence,  by  thee  renew 'd, 

Each  presumptuous  sin  exclude. 

3.  Let  my  tongue,  from  error  free, 
Speak  the  words  approv'd  by  thee  g 
To  thy  all-observing  eyes 

Let  my  thoughts  accepted  rise. 

4.  So  my  lot  shall  ne'er  be  join'd 
With  the  men,  whose  impious  mind, 
Fearless  of  thy  just  command, 
Braves  the  vengeance  of  thy  hand. 

.  While  I  thus  thy  name  adore, 
And  thy  healing  grace  implore, 
Blest  Redeemer,  bow  thine  ear ! 
God,  my  strength,  propitious  hear  ! 

HYMN  247    c.  m. 

1.  f~\  Thou,  whose  tender  mercy  hears 
^-^  Contrition's  humble  sigh  ; 
Whose  hand,  indulgent,  wipes  the  tear*; 

From  sorrow's  weeping  eye  ! 

2.  See  !  low  before  thy  throne  of  grace, 

A  wretched  wand'rer  mourn. 
Hast  thou  not  bid  me  seek  thy  face  ? 
Hast  thou  not  said,  return  } 

3.  Absent  from  thee,  my  guide,  my  light 

Without  one  cheering  ray  ; 
Through  dangers,  fears,  and  glonrnr  night, 
How  desolate  rav  wav  ' 
S 


14G      REPENTANCE  AND  CONVERSION. 

4.  O  shine  on  this  benighted  heart, 
With  beams  of  mercy  shine: 
And  let  thy  healing  voice  impart 
A  taste  of  joys  divine, 
ji.  Thy  presence  only  can  bestow 
Delights,  which  never  cloy. 
Be  this  my  solace  here  below, 
And  my  eternal  joy  ! 

HYMN  248.  o.  m. 

1.  r¥^TIE  Lord,  how  kind  are  all  his  ways 
-■-    When  most  they  seem  severe  ! 
lie  frowns,  and  scourges,  and  rebukes, 
That  we  may  learn  his  fear. 
42.  With  thorns  he  fences  up  our  path, 
And  builds  a  wall  around, 
To  guard  us  from  the  death  that  lurks 
In  sin's  forbidden  ground. 
3.  Return,  ye  wand'ring  souls,  return, 
And  seek  his  tender  breast; 
Call  back  the  mem'ry  of  the  days, 
When  there  you  found  your  rest 
i.  Behold,  O  Lord  !  we  fly  to  thee, 
Tho'  blushes  veil  our  face ; 
Const  rain 'd  our  last  retreat  to  seek 
In  thy  much  injur 'd  grace. 

HYMN  249.  s.  m. 

1.  OE ARCHER  of  hearts  !  to  thee 
^   1  all  my  soul  display ; 

And,  conscious  of  its  innate  arts. 
Intreat  thy  strict  survey. 

2.  If,  lurking  in  its  folds, 

I  any  sin  conceal : 
()  let  a  ray  of  light  divine 
The  secret  guile  reveal  ! 
>.  It.  in  these  fetters  bound, 

A  wretched  slave  I  lies 
Smite  off  my  chains,  and  wake  mj  soul 
To  light  and  liberty  ! 


UEPENTAXCE  AND  CONVERSION. 

4.  To  penitence  and  pray'r 

Be  gentle  pity  giv'n  ; 
Speak  ample  pardon  to  my  heart, 
And  seal  its  claim  to  heav'n. 

HYMN  250.  l.  m. 

1.  (~\  turn,  great  Ruler  of  the  skies, 

^^  Turn  from  my  sins  thy  searching  eyes  ! 

My  mind  from  ev'ry  fear  release, 

And  sooth  my  troubled  thoughts  to  peace. 

2.  Prompt  is  thy  pow'r,  when  ills  invade. 
The  weak  and  contrite  soul  to  aid: 
Then  let  thy  clemency  divine 
Conspicuous  in  my  pardon  shine. 

3.  O  let  the  fulness  of  thy  grace 
Each  error  of  my  life  efface  ! — 
But  thy  decrees,  almighty  Sire  ! 
Integrity  of  heart  require. 

i.  Give  me-  a  wi;1  to  thine  subdird,  \ 

A  conscience  pure,  a  soul  renew  5d ; 
Nor  let  me,  wrapp'd  in  endless  gloom, 
An  outcast  from  thy  presence  roam. 

5.  The  heart,  that,  taught  its  guilt  to  know, 
Repentant  heaves  with  inward  wo, 
Shall  find  its  pray'rs,  its  groans,  its  sighs, 
To  thee  in  full  acceptance  rise. 

HYMN  251    l.  u. 

1.  T  ORD  !  we  have  w  ander'd  from  thy  wa)  , 
-L*  Like  foolish  sheep  have  gone  astray  ; 
Our  pleasant  pastures  we  have  left, 

And  of  their  guard  our  souls  bereft. 

2.  Expos'd  to  want,  expos'd  to  harm, 
Far  from  our  gentle  shepherd's  arm  ; 
Nor  will  these  fatal  wanderings;  cease, 
'Till  thou  reveal  the  paths  of  peace* 

3.  O  seek  thy  thoughtless  servants,  Lord  ! 
Nor  let  us  quite  forget  thy  word. 

Our  erring  souls  do  thou  restore, 
And  keep  us,  that  we  stray  no  mon*. 


i  is      HRPENTANCE  AND  CONVERSION 

HYMN  252   s.  m. 

1.  A  TTEND,  my  soul,  with  awe 
-£*-  The  dictates  of  thy  God; 
Silent  and  trembling  hear  the  voice 

Of  his  appointed  rod. 

2.  Now  let  me  search  my  ways, 

And  prostrate  seek  his  face  ; 
Conscious  of  guilt,  before  his  throne 
In  dust  my  soul  abase. 

3.  O  tcacli  me  what's  unknown, 

And  all  my  crimes  forgive. 
Those  crimes  I  would  no  more  repeat, 
15 ut  to  thy.  honour  live. 

4.  My  sorrows  plainly  show, 

That  all  on  earth  is  vain. 
In  God  my  wounded  heart  confides, 
True  rest  and  bliss  to  gain. 

HYMN  253   cm. 

1.  OWEET  is  the  friendly  voice  which  speak? 
^  The  words  of  life  and  peace; 

"Which  bids  the  upright  heart  rejoice, 
And  sin  and  sorrow  cease. 

2.  Thou,  Lord  !  in  mercy  wilt  regard 

The  humble  and  sincere ; 
Thou  wilt  with  gracious  eye  behold 
The  penitential  tear. 

3.  Thou  canst  restrain  wild  passion's  s^  RJ 

The  pow'r  of  vice  control, 
Restore  bright  reason's  ray  divine, 
And  purify  the  soul. 

4.  O  God  !  from  error  turn  my  feet, 

That  I  no  more  may  stray; 
And  guide  my  steps  direct  and  safe 
In  virtue's  peaceful  way. 

5.  Let  me  no  more,  with  wilful  mind, 

Thy  righteous  laws  offend, 
'hen  .shall  I  know  nor  guilt  nor  U 
If  thou  be  still  my  friend. 


REPENTANCE  AND  CONVERSION.       UO 
HYMN  254.  s.  it. 

1.  /"|  blessed  souls  are  they, 

^-^  Whose  sins  are  cover'd  o'er  ! 

Divinely  blest,  to  whom  the  Lord 

Imputes  their  guilt  no  more  ! 

2.  They  mourn  their  follies  past, 

And  keep  their  hearts  with  care  ; 
Their  lips  and  lives  without  deceit, 
Shall  prove  their  faith  sincere. 

3.  Let  sinners  learn  to  pray ; 

Let  saints  keep  near  the  throne. 
Our  help  in  time  of  deep  distress, 
Is  found  in  God  alone. 

HYMN  255    l.  m. 

The  joy  of  conversion  from  sin. 

1.  ^ITHFjN  God  reveal 'd  his  gracious  name, 

*  *     And  chang'd  my  mournful  state, 
My  rapture  seem'd  a  pleasing  dream, 
The  grace  appear'd  so  great. 

2.  The  world  beheld  the  glorious  change. 

And  did  thy  hand  confess ; 
My  tongue  broke  out  in  unknown  strains, 

And  sung  surprising  grace. 
3."  Great  is  the  work,"  my  neighbours  cried. 

And  own'd  thy  pow'r  divine ; 
"  Great  is  the  work,"  my  heart  replied, 

"  And  be  the  glory  thine." 

4.  The  Lord  can  clear  the  darkest  skies, 

Can  give  us  day  for  night ; 
Make  drops  of  sacred  sorrow  rise 
To  rivers  of  delight. 

3.  Let  those,  that  sow  in  sadness,  wait, 

Till  the  fair  harvest  come  ; 
They  shall  confess  their  sheaves  are  great. 
And  shout  the  blessings  home. 

HYMN  256    s.  m. 

1  •  TTOW  various  and  how  new* 
1  A  Are  thy  compassions,  Lord  ! 
N  2 


1*0         REPENTANCE  AND  CONVERSION 

Each  morning  shall  thy  mercies  shew, 
Each  night  thy  love  record. 

2.  Thy  goodness,  like  the  sun, 

Dawn'd  on  our  early  days, 

Ere  infant  reason  had  begun 

To  form  our  lips  to  praise. 

3.  Each  object  we  beheld 

Gave  pleasure  to  our  eyes  ; 

And  nature  all  our  senses  held 

In  bands  of  sweet  surprise. 

4.  Hut  pleasures  more  refin'd 

Awaited  that  blest  day, 
When  light  arose  upon  our  miw? 

To  chase  our  sins  away. 
d.  How  various  and  how  new 

Are  thy  compassions,  Lord  ! 
Eternity  thy  truth  shall  shew, 

And  all  thy  love  record. 

HYMN  257-  s.  m.    . 

Thanksgiving  for  deliverance  from  the  power  of  sin. 

1.  nnHE  trav'ller  lost  in  night, 

J-    Breathes  many  a  longing  sigh, 
And  marks  the  welcome  dawn  of  light 
With  rapture  in  his  eye. 

2.  Thus  sweet  the  dawn  of  day 

Lost  weary  sinners  find, 
When  mercy  with  reviving  ray 
Bcams  o'er  the  fainting  mind. 

3.  To  slaves  opprest  with  chains, 

How  kind,  how  dear  the  friend, 
Whose  gen'rous  hand  relieves  their  pains, 
And  bids  their  sorrows  end  ! 
4\  Thus  dear  that  friend  divine, 
Who  rescues  captive  souls, 
Unbinds  the  galling  chains  of  sin. 
And  all  its  pow'r  controls. 
3.  My  liod  !  to  gospel  light 
My  dawn  of  hope  Io 


THE  JOY  AND  HAPPINESS  &c.  151 

Once  wand'ring  in  the  shades  of  night, 
And  sunk  in  hopeless  wo. 
i    Thy  hand  redcem'd  the  slave, 
And  set  the  prisoner  tree. 
Be  all  I  am,  and  all  I  have, 
Devoted,  Lord,  to  thee  ! 


XYI 

THE  JOY  AND  HAPPINESS  OF 

TRUE  CHRISTIANS. 


HYMN  258.  s.  m. 

1.  pOME,  ye  that  love  the  Lord, 
^   And  let  your  joys  be  known  ; 
Join  in  a  song  with  sweet  accord, 

Whilst  ye  surround  the  throne. 

2.  Let  those  refuse  to  sing, 

Who  never  knew  our  God: 
But  servants  of  the  heawnly  King 

May  speak  their  joys  ahroad. 
.  The  God,  who  rules  on  high, 
Who  all  the  earth  surveys, 
Who  rides  upon  the  stormy  sky, 
And  calms  the  roaring  seas: 
4.  This  awful  God  is  ours, 

Our  Father  and  our  love  ; 
He  will  send  down  his  heav'nly  pow'rs, 
To  carry  us  above. 
•^  There  we  shall  see  his  face, 
And  never,  never  sin  ! 
There,  from  the  rivers  of  his  grace, 
Drink  endless  pleasures  in. 
*.  Yea,  and  before  we  rise 
To  that  immortal  state, 
The  thoughts  of  such  amazing  bliss 
Should  constant  joys  create. 


152  THE  JOY  AND  HAPPINESS 

7.  The  men  of  grace  have  found 
Glory  begun  below. 
Celestial  fruit  on  earthly  ground 
From  faith  and  hope,  may  grow. 
S.  Then  let  our  songs  abound, 
And  ev'ry  tear  be  dry: 
We're  marching  through  Immanuel's  ground 
To  fairer  worlds  on  high. 

HYMN  259.  s.  m. 

I.  "VTOW  let  our  voices  join 
-^    To  form  a  sacred  song ; 
Ye  pilgrims  in  Jehovah's  ways, 
With  music  pass  along. 
c2.  How  straight  the  path  appears  ! 
How  open  and  how  fair  ! 
No  lurking  snares  t'  entrap  our  feet; 
No  fierce  destroyer  there. 

3.  But  flow'rs  of  paradise 

In  rich  profusion  spring  ; 
The  sun  of  glory  gilds  the  path, 
And  dear  companions  sing. 

4.  See  Salem's  golden  spires 

In  beauteous  prospect  rise  ; 
And  brighter  crowns  than  mortals  wear, 
Which  sparkle  through  the  skies. 

5.  All  honour  to  his  name, 

Who  marks  the  shining  way ; 
To  him,  who  leads  the  wand'rers  on 
To  rtalms  of  endless  day. 

HYMN  260.  c.  m. 

1.  VTE  trembling  souls  !  dismiss  your  fears; 

A   Be  mercy  all  your  theme  ; 
Mercy,  whieh  like  a  river  flows 
In  one  continued  stream. 

2.  Fear  not  the  pow'rs  of  earth  and  hell : 

God  will  these  pow'rs  restrain; 
His  mighty  arm  their  rage  repel, 
And  mane  their  efforts  vain. 


OF  TRUE  CHRISTIANS.  153 

3.  Fear  not  the  want  of  outward  good: 
He  will  for  his  provide, 
Grant  them  supplies  of  daily  food, 
And  give  them  heav'n  beside, 
i.  Fear  not,  that  lie  will  e'er  forsake, 
Or  leave  his  work  undone  : 
He's  faithful  to  his  promises, 
And  faithful  to  his  Son. 
5.  Fear  not  the  terrors  of  the  grave, 
Nor  death's  tremendous  sting: 
He  will  from  endless  wrath  preserve, 
To  endless  glory  bring. 
&  You  in  his  wisdom,  pow'r,  and  grace, 
May  confidently  trust: 
His  wisdom  guides,  his  pow'r  protects, 
His  grace  rewards  the  just. 

HYMN  261.  c.  m. 

1 .  V\/"HEN  I  can  read  my  title  clear 

*  *     To  mansions  in  the  skies, 
I  bid  farewell  to  evry  fear, 
And  wipe  my  weeping  eyes. 

2.  Should  earth  against  my  soul  engage, 

And  hellish  darts  be  horl'd  : 

Thin  I  can  smile  at  Satan's  rage, 

And  face  a  frowning  world. 

3.  Let  cares  like  a  wild  deluge  come, 

And  storms  of  sorrow  fall  : 
May  1  but  safely  reach  my  home, 
My  God,  my  heav'n,  my  all ! 
i.  There  shall  I  bathe  my  weary  soul 
In  seas  of  heav'nly  rest; 
And  not  a  wave  of  trouble  roll 
Across  my  peaceful  breast. 

HYMN  262.  l.  m. 

I.  ^"OT  all  the  nobles  of  the  earth, 

-*-^    Who  boast  the  honours  of  their  birth , 

Such  real  dignity  can  claim, 

As  those  who  bear  the  Chrisliau  name. 


154  THE  JOY  AND  HAPPINESS 

2.  To  them  the  privilege  is  giv'n, 

To  be  the  sons  and  heirs  of  heav'n; 
Sons  of  the  God  who  reigns  on  high, 
And  heirs  of  joy  beyond  the  sky. 

3.  His  will  he  makes  them  early  know, 
And  teaches  their  young  feet  to  go ; 
Whispers  instruction  to  their  minds, 
And  on  their  hearts  his  precepts  binds. 

4.  Their  daily  wants  his  hands  supply  ; 
Their  steps  he  guards  with  watchful  eye; 
Leads  them  from  earth  to  heav'n  above, 
And  crowns  them  with  eternal  love. 

5.  If  I've  the  honour,  Lord  !  to  be 
One  of  this  num'rous  family  : 
On  me  the  gracious  gift  bestow, 
To  call  thee  Abba,  Father,  too. 

6.  So  may  my  conduct  ever  prove 
My  filial  piety  and  love  ! 

Whilst  all  my  brethren  clearly  trace 
Their  Father's  likeness  on  my  face. 

HYMN  263-  c.  m. 

1.  "pORSAKE,  my  soul !  the  tents  of  sin  : 
*-    How  false  her  joys  appear  ! 

Noise  and  confusion  dwell  within  ; 
Peace  is  a  stranger  there. 

2.  The  men,  who  keep  the  laws  of  God, 

Flis  choicest  blessings  share  ; 
Or,  if  he  lifts  his  chast'ning  rod, 
'Tis  with  a  Father's  care. 

3.  His  mighty  pow'r  shall  guard  the  just; 

His  wisdom  point  their  way; 
His  eye  shall  watch  their  sleeping  dust; 
His  hand  revive  their  clay. 

4.  Begin,  ye  saints,  the  joyful  task  ; 

His  praise  employ  your  tongue ; 
And  soon  eternity  will  ask 
A  more  exalted  song. 

HV.AJN  264.  cm. 

).  "\\7nH  transport,  Lord  !  we  view  the  page. 
»  '     A\  here  all  thy  mercies  shine ; 


OF  TRUE  CHRISTIANS.  155 

And  joy  to  tell  the  rising  age, 
What  boundless  grace  is  thine. 

2.  The  world,  with  all  its  shifting  schemes, 

Time,  with  its  fleeting  hours, 
Life,  with  its  gay  and  flatt'ring  dreams, 
Its  hopes  and  fears,  is  ours. 

3.  Death,  also,  at  our  Father's  word, 

Lays  all  its  terrors  by  ; 
Gently  divides  the  silver  cord, 
And  calls  us  to  the  sky. 

4.  Fain  would  our  hearts  a  tribute  bring 

Before  our  Father's  throne  ; 
A  tribute  worthy  of  our  King, 
Whose  mercies  are  unknown. 

HYMN  265    cm. 

1.  f~\  happy  soul  that  lives  on  high  J 
^  While  men  lie  grov'ling  here, 
His  hopes  are  fix'd  above  the  sky, 

And  faith  forbids  his  fear. 

2.  His  conscience  knows  no  secret  stings  ; 

While  grace  and  joy  combine 
To  form  a  life,  whose  holy  springs 
Are  hidden  and  divine. 

3.  He  waits  in  secret  on  his  God  j 

His  God  in  secret  sees. 
Let  earth  be  all  in  arms  abroad, 
He  dwells  in  heav'nly  peace. 

4.  His  pleasures  rise  from  things  unseen, 

Beyond  this  world  and  time, 
Where  neither  eves  nor  ears  have  been, 
Nor  thoughts  of  mortals  climb. 

5.  He  looks  to  heav'n's  eternal  hill, 

To  meet  that  glorious  day, 
When  Christ  his  promise  shall  fulfil 
And  call  his  soul  away. 

HYMN  266-  l.  m. 

1.  AirHlLE  some  in  folly's  pleasures  roll, 
*  *    And  court  the  joys  \*  liich  hurt  the  soul ; 
Be  mine  that  silent  calm  repast, 
A  peaceful  conscience  to  tie 


150  THE  JOY  AND  HAPPINESS 

2.  That  tree  which  bears  immortal  fruit, 
Without  a  canker  at  the  root ; 

That  friend,  who  never  fails  the  just, 
When  other  friends  desert  their  trust. 

3.  With  this  companion  in  the  shade, 
My  soul  no  more  shall  be  dismay'd ; 
But  fearless  meet  the  midnight  gloom 
And  the  pale  monarch  of  the  tomb. 

4.  Though  heav'n  afflict,  I'll  not  repine  ; 
The  noblest  comforts  still  are  mine: 
Comforts,  which  over  death  prevail, 
And  journey  with  me  through  the  vale. 

5.  The  Lord  will  smooth  my  rugged  way. 
And  lead  me  to  the  realms  of  day, 

To  milder  skies  and  brighter  plains. 
Where  everlasting  pleasure  reigns. 

HYMN  267    c.  m. 

1.  (\  happiness,  thou  pleasing  dream  ! 
^^  Where  is  thy  substance  found  ? 
Sought  through  the  varying  scenes,  in  vain. 

Of  earth's  capacious  Found. 

2.  Religion's  sacred  lamp  alone 

Unerring  points  the  way, 
Where  happiness  for  ever  shines 
With  unpolluted  ray. 

HYMN  268.  s.  m. 

1.  "1TITHEN  gloomy  thoughts  and  fears 

*  *    The  trembling  heart  invade, 
And  all  the  face  of  nature  wears 
An  universal  shade : 

2.  Religion  can  assuage 

The  tempest  of  the  soul ; 
And  cv'ry  fear  shall  lose  its  rage 
At  her  divine  control. 

3.  Through  life's  bewilder'd  way, 

1  Icr  hand  unerring  leads  ; 
And  o'er  the  path  her  heav'nlv  rai 
A  cheering  lustre  sheds. 


OF  TRUE  CHRISTIANS.  157 

i.  When  reason,  tir'd  and  blind, 
Sinks  helpless  and  afraid  ; 
Thou  blest  supporter  of  the  mind, 
How  powerful  is  thine  aid  ! 
5.  O  let  me  feel  thy  pow'r, 
And  find  thy  sweet  relief, 
To  brighten  ev'ry  gloomy  hour, 
And  soften  ev'ry  grief. 

HYMN  269.  l.  m. 

I.  TJ<^  blest  the  man,  how  more  than  blest, 
-■--■-   Whose  heart  no  guilty  thoughts  employ  ! 
Gcd's  endless  sunshine  fills  his  breast, 
And  conscience  whispers  peace  and  joy. 
-\  Pure  rectitude's  unerring  way 

Mis  heav'n-conducted  steps  pursue; 
While  crowds  in  guilt  and  error  stray, 
Unstain'd  his  soul,  and  bright  his  view, 
i.  By  God's  almighty  arm  sustain'd, 
True  virtue  soon  or  late  shall  rise ; 
Enjoy  her  conquest,  nobly  gain'd, 
And  share  the  triumph  of  the  skies. 
4.  But  fools,  to  sacred  wisdom  blind, 
Who  vice's  tempting  call  obey, 
A  diff'rent  fate  shall  quickly  find, 
To  ev'ry  storm  an  easy  prey. 

HYMN  270.  l.  m. 

1.  npHERE  is  a  glorious  world  on  high, 

-*-    Resplendent  with  eternal  day  ; 
Faith  views  the  blissful  prospect  nigh, 
While  God's  own  word  reveals  the  way. 

2.  There  shall  the  fav 'rites  of  the  Lord 

With  never-fading  lustre  shine. 
Surprising  honour  !  vast  reward  ! 
Conferr'd  on  man  by  love  divine. 
J.  How  blest  are  those,  how  truly  wise, 
Who  learn  and  keep  the  sacred  road  ! 
Happy  tlie  men,  whom  heav'n  employs 
To  turn  rebellious  hearts  to  God  ; ' 
(J 


158  THE  JOY  AND  HAPPINESS 

4.  To  win  them  from  the  fatal  way, 

Where  erring  folly  thoughtless  roves  ; 
And  that  blest  righteousness  display, 
Which  Jesus  taught  and  God  approves. 

5.  The  shining  firmament  shall  fade, 

And  sparkling  stars  resign  their  light: 
But  these  shall  know  nor  change  nor  shade. 

For  ever  fair,  for  ever  bright. 
C.  On  wings  of  faith  and  strong  desire, 

O  may  our  spirits  daily  rise  ; 
And  reach  at  last  the  shining  choir, 

In  the  bright  mansions  of  the  skies  ! 

HYMN  271.  p.  K. 

1.    A  LL  earthly  charms,  however  dear, 
-£*-  Howe'erthey  please  the  eye  or  ear, 

Will  quickly  fade  and  fly. 
Of  earthly  glory  faint  the  blaze, 
And  soon  the  transitory  rays 

In  endless  darkness  die. 
ti.  The  nobler  beauties  of  the  just 
Shall  never  moulder  in  the  dust, 

Or  know  a  sad  decay  ; 
Their  honours  time  and  death  defy. 
And  round  the  throne  of  heav'n  on  high 

Beam  everlasting  day. 

HYMN  272.  l.  m. 

1.  VE  humble  souls,  complain  no  more, 

A     Let  faith  survey  your  future  store. 
How  happy,  how  divinely  blest, 
The  sacred  words  of  truth  attest. 

2.  When  conscious  grief  laments  sincere. 
And  pours  the  penitential  tear ; 
Hope  points  to  your  dejected  eyes 

A  bright  reversion  in  the  skies. 
5.  In  vain  the  sons  of  wealth  and  pride 
Despise  your  lot,  your  hopes  deride  ; 
In  vain  they  boast  their  little  stores; 
Trifles  are  their*,  a  kingdom  roUH  | 


OF  TRUE  CHRISTIANS.  159 

k  A  kingdom  of  immense  delight, 
\\  here  health  and  peace  and  joy  unite; 
Where  undeclining  pleasures  rise, 
And  ev'ry  wish  hath  full  supplies: 

5. A  kingdom  which  can  ne'er  decay, 

Though  time  sweep  earthly  thrones  away. 

The  state,  which  pow'r  and  truth  sustain, 

Inmov'd  for  ever  must  remain. 
G.  Great  God  !  to  thee  we  breathe  our  pray'r ; 

If  thou  confirm  our  int 'rest  there, 

EnrollM  among  thy  happy  poor, 

Our  largest  wishes  ask  no  more. 

HYMN  273.  c.  if. 

1.  XTOW  happy  is  the  man,  who  hears 
A-L  Instruction's  warning  voice; 
And  who  celestial  wisdom  makes 

His  early,  only,  choice! 

2.  Wisdom  has  treasures  greater  far 

Than  east  or  west  unfold  ; 
And  her  rewards  more  precious  arc 
Than  is  the  gain  of  gold. 

3.  In  her  right  hand  she  holds  to  view 

A  Length  of  happy  years  ; 
And  in  her  left  the  prize  of  fame 
And  honour  bright  appears. 

4.  She  guides  the  young  with  innocence, 

In  pleasures  path  to  tread  : 
A  crown  of  glory  she  bestows 
Upon  the  hoary  head. 

5.  According  as  her  labours  rise, 

So  her  rewards  increase  ; 
Her  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness 
And  all  her  paths  are  peace. 


160  THE  CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER 

XVII. 

THE  CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER 

AND  LIFE,  IN  GENERAL, 

HYMN  274.  t.  m. 

1.  Q<  O  let  our  lips  and  lives  express 
•^  The  holy  gospel  we  profess ; 
So  let  our  works  and  virtues  shine, 
To  prove  the  doctrine  all  divine  ! 

2.  Thus  shall  we  best  proclaim  abroad 
The  honours  of  our  Saviour  God, 
When  the  salvation  reigns  within, 
And  grace  subdues  the  pow'r  of  sin. 

3.  Our  flesh  and  sense  must  be  deny'd, 
Passion  and  envy,  lust  and  pride ; 
Whilst  justice,  temp'rance,  truth,  and  love 
Our  inward  piety  approve. 

4.  Religion  bears  our  spirits  up, 
Whilst  we  expect  that  blessed  hope, 
The  bright  appearance  of  the  Lord, 
And  faith  stands  leaning  on  his  word. 

HYMN  275.  o.  u. 

1.  T  want  a  principle  within 
-■-  Of  jealous  godly  fear, 

A  dread  and  hatred  of  all  sin, 
A  pain  to  feel  it  near. 

2.  That  I  from  thee  no  more  may  part, 

No  more  thy  goodness  grieve  : 
The  filial  awe,  the  loving  heart, 
The  tender  conscience  give ; 

5.  A  heart  resign'd,  submissive,  meek, 

My  great  Redeemer's  throne, 
Where  only  Christ  is  heard  to  speak, 
Where  Jesus  reigns  alone. 
4.  Quick  as  the  apple  of  an  eye, 

O  God  !  my  conscience  make; 
Awake  my  soul  when  sin  is  nigh, 
And  keep  it  still  awake. 


AND  LIFE,  IN  GENERAL.  1G1 

...  [f  to  the  right  or  left  I  stray, 
That  moment,  Lord,  reprove  ; 
And  let  me  mourn,  and  weep,  and  pray, 
For  having  griev'd  thy  love  ! 
6.  O  !  may  the  least  omission  pain 
My  well -in  still  cted  soul ; 
That  I  may  find  that  grace  again, 
Which  makes  the  wounded  whole. 

HYMN  276.  t  u. 

1.  VVTHAT  strange  perplexities  arise! 

*  *      What  anxious  fears  and  jealousies  ! 
What  crowds  in  doubtful  light  appear  ! 
How  few,  alas,  approv'd  and  clear  ! 

2.  And  what  am  I  ? — My  soul,  awake, 
And  an  impartial  survey  take. 

Does  no  dark  sign,  no  ground  of  fear, 
In  practice  or  in  heart  appear  ? 

3.  What  image  does  my  spirit  bear  ? 
Is  Jesus  form'd  and  living  there  ? 
Say,  do  his  lineaments  divine 

In  thought,  and  word,  and  action  shine  r 

4.  Searcher  of  hearts,  O  search  me  still  ; 
The  secrets  of  my  soul  reveal  ; 

My  fears  remove  ;  let  me  appear 

To  God  and  my  own  conscience  clear ! 

HYMN  277.  l.  m. 

1.  VyirHO  shall  ascend  thy  heav'nly  place, 

*  »     Great  God,  and  dwell  before  thy  face  ? 
The  man,  who  loves  religion  now, 

And  humbly  walks  with  God  below  ; 

2.  Whose  hands  are  pure,  whose  heart  is  clean, 
Whose  lips  still  speak  the  thing  they  mean. 
No  slanders  dwell  upon  his  tongue ; 

He  hates  to  do  his  neighbour  wrong. 

5.  He  will  not  trust  an  ill  report, 
Nor  vent  it  to  his  neighbour's  hurt ; 
Sinners  of  state  he  can  despise, 
But  saints  are  honour'd  in  his  eyes. 

O  2 


162  THE  CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER 

4.  Firm  to  his  word  lie  ever  stood, 
And  always  makes  his  promise  good: 
Nor  will  he  change  the  tiling  he  swears, 
Whatever  pain  or  loss  he  hears. 

5.  He  never  deals  in  bribing  gold, 

And  mourns  that  justice  should  be  sold. 
If  others  vex  and  grind  the  poor, 
Sweet  charity  attends  his  door. 

6.  He  loves  his  enemies,  and  prays 
For  those  who  curse  him  to  his  face ; 
And  doth  to  all  men  still  the  same, 
That  he  could  hope  or  wish  from  them. 

7.  Yet,  when  his  holiest  works  are  done, 
His  soul  depends  on  grace  alcne. 
This  is  the  man  thy  face  shall  see, 
And  dwell  for  ever,  Lord  !  with  thee. 

HYMjV  278    l.  m. 

1.  /"^  RE  AT  God  !  whose  all-pervading  eye 
^J  Sees  ev'ry  passion  of  my  soul  ! 
When  sunk  too  low,  or  rais'd  too  high, 

Teach  me  those  passions  to  control. 

2.  Temper  the  fervours  of  my  frame ; 

Be  charity  their  constant  spring  ; 
And  O,  let  no  unhallow'd  flame 
Pollute  the  offerings  I  bring. 

3.  Let  peace  with  piety  unite, 

To  mend  the  bias  of  my  will  : 
While  hope  and  heav'n-eyM  faith  excite. 

And  wisdom  regulates  my  zeal  : 
\.  That  wisdom,  which  to  meekness  turns  ; 

Wisdom  descending  from  above  ; 
And  let  my  zeal,  whene'er  it  burns, 

Be  kindled  by  the  fire  of  love. 

HYMN  279    l.  m. 

1.  SUPREME  and  universal  light! 
^   Fountain  of  reason  !  Judge  of  right  ! 
Without  whose  kind,  directing  ray, 
In  everlasting  night  we  stray: 


VM)  LIFE,  IX  GENERAL.  165 

t  us,  Lord,  to  act,  to  be, 
What  all  thy  saered  laws  decree; 
"Worthy  that  intellectual  flame, 
Which  from  thy  breathing  spirit  came. 

$.  X'o  slaves  to  profit,  shame,  or  fear, 
O  may  our  steadfast  bosoms  bear 
The  stamp  of  heav'n,  an  honest  h-  art . 
re  the  mean  disguise  of  art! 

".  Maj  our  expanded  souls  disclaim 
The  narrow  view,  the  selfish  aim; 
Hut  with  a  christian  zeal  embrace 
Whate'er  ta  friendly  to  our  race. 

5.  0  Father  !  grae<>  and  virtue  grant ; 
Xo  more  we  wish,  no  more  we  want. 
To  know,  to  serve  thee,  and  to  love- 
Is  peace  below,  is  bliss  above. 

HYMN  280.  l.  m. 

l.fT,i  id  bended  knee, 

■»    Are  but  vain  homage,  Lord  !  to  thee, 

hi  vain  our  lips  thy  praise  prolong-, 

The  heart  a  stranger  to  the  song. 

.  and  forms,  and  flaming  zeal 

The  breaches  of  thy  precepts  heal  ? 

Or  fasts  and  penance  reconcile 

Thy  justice,  and  obtain  thy  smile  ? 

pure,  the  humble,  contrite  mind, 

Sincere,  and  to  thy  will  resign'd, 

To  thee  a  nobler  orPriug  yields, 

Than  Sheba's  groves,  or  Sharon's  fields. 
4.  Love  Cod  and  man  : — this  great  command 

Doth  on  eternal  pillars  stand. 

This  did  thine  ancient  prophets  teach, 

This  did  the  great  Messiah  preach. 

HYMN  281    l.  m. 

*.  "LTAD  I  the  tongues  of  Greeks  and  Jews, 
-*--*-  And  nobler  speech  than  angels  use  ; 
If  love  be  absent,  I  am  found, 
Like  tinkling  brass,  an  empty  sound. 


164  THE  CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER 

2.  Were  I  inspir'd  to  preach  and  Lull 
All  that  is  done  in  heav'n  and  hell, 
Or  could  my  faith  the  world  remove, 
Still  I  am  nothing  without  love. 

3.  Should  I  distribute  all  my  store, 
To  feed  the  bowels  of  the  poor; 
Or  give  my  body  to  the  flame, 

To  gain  a  martyr's  glorious  name  : 
I.  If  love  to  God,  and  love  to  men 
Be  absent,  all  my  hopes  are  vain  ; 
Nor  tongues,  nor  gifts,  nor  fiery  zed 
The  work  of  love  can  e'er  fulfil. 

HYMN  282   c.  >.. 

1.  npHOU  art  my  portion,  O  my  God  ! 
-I      Soon  as  1  know  thy  way, 
My  heart  make's  haste  t'  obey  thy  word, 
And  suffers  no  delay. 
2. 1  choose  the  path  of  heav'nly  truth, 
And  glory  in  my  choice  ; 
Not  all  the  riches  of  the  earth 
Could  make  me  so  rejoice. 
'3.  The  testimonies  of  thy  grace 
I  set  before  mine  eyes; 
Thence  I  derive  my  daily  strength. 
And  there  my  comfort  lies. 
4'.  Whene'er  I  wander  from  thy  path, 
1  think  upon  my  ways  ; 
Then  turn  my  feet  to  thy  commands, 
And  trust  thy  pard'ning grace. 
5.  Now  I  am  thine,  for  ever  thine  : 
O  save  thy  servant,  Lord  ! 
Thou  art  my  shield,  my  hiding  place  ; 
Mv  hope  is  in  thy  word. 
fi.Thou  hast  tnclm'd  this  heart  of  mine 
Thy  statutes  to  fulfil  ; 
And  thus,  'till  mortal  life  shall  end, 

Would  I  perform  thy  will, 

HYMN  283    o.  m. 

I    ^117'iniiST  sinners,  who  presume  to  beat 
*  *     The  Christian's  sacred  name, 


AXD  LIFE,  IN  GENERAL.  165 

Throw  up  the  reins  to  evYy  lust, 
And  glory  in  their  shame  : 
3.  Ye  saints.  preserv'd  in  Christ  and  caird, 
Detest  their  impious  ways, 
And  on  the  basis  of  your  faith 
An  heav'nly  temple  raise. 
3.  Upon  the  Spirit's  promis'd  aid 
Depend  from  day  to  day  ; 
And,  whilst  he  breathes  his  quick'ning  grace, 
Adore,  and  praise,  and  pray. 
t .  Preserve  unquenclvd  your  love  to  God, 
And  let  the  flame  arise, 
And  higher  and  still  higher  blaze, 
'Till  it  ascends  the  skies. 
5.  With  a  transporting  joy  expect 
The  grace  your  Lord  shall  give, 
When  all  his  saints  shall  from  his  hands 
Their  crowns  of  life  receive. 

HYMN  284    o.  m. 

1. 1>LEST  are  the  undefil'd  in  heart, 
O  Whose  ways  are  right  and  clean; 
Who  never  from  thy  law  depart, 
But  fly  from  ev'rv 
2.  Blest  are  the  men  that  keep  thy  word, 
And  practise  thy  commands; 
With  their  whole  heart  they  seek  the  Lord, 
And  serve  thee  with  their  hands. 
?.  Great  is  their  peace,  who  love  thy  law  ; 
How  firm  their  souls  abide  ! 
Nor  can  a  bold  temptation  draw 
Their  steady  feet  aside. 
♦.Then  shall  my  heart  have  inward  joy, 
And  keep  my  face  from  shame, 
When  all  thy  statutes  1  obey, 
And  honour  all  thy  name. 

HYMN  285    i.  m. 

1.  T>LESS'D  are  the  humble  souls,  who  sec 
*~*  Their  ignorance  and  poverty  : 


16G  THE  CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER 

Treasures  of  grace  to  them  arc  giv'n, 
And  crowns  of  joy  laid  Up  in  heav'n. 

2.  Bless'd  are  the  men  of  broken  heart, 
Who  mourn  for  sin  with  inward  smart ; 
For  them  divine  compassion  flows, 

A  healing  balm  for  all  their  woes. 

3.  Bless'd  are  the  meek,  who  stand  afar 
From  rage  and  passion,  noise  and  war: 
God  will  secure  their  peaceful  state, 
And  plead  then*  cause  against  the  great 

4.  Bless'd  are  the  souls,  who  thirst  for  grate. 
Hunger  and  long  tor  righteousness: 
They  shall  be  well  supplied  and  fed 
With  living  streams  and  living  bread. 

5.  Bless'd  are  the  men,  whose  hearts  still  move 
And  melt  with  sympathy  and  love ; 

They  shall  themselves  from  God  obtain 
Like  sympathy  and  love  again. 

6.  Bless'd  are  the  pure,  whose  hearts  are  clean 
From  the  defiling  pow'r  of  sin  : 

With  endless  plea  aire  they  shall  see 
A  God  of  spotless  purity. 

7.  Bless'd  are  the  men  of  peaceful  life, 
Who  quench  the  coals  of  growing  strife  : 
They  shall  be  call'd  the  heirs  of  bliss, 
The  sons  of  God,  the  God  of  peace. 

8.  Bless'd  are  the  soJF'rers  who  partake 
Of  pain  and  shame  for  Jesus'  sake  : 
Their  souls  shall  triumph  in  the  Lord, 
Glory  and  joy  are  their  reward. 

HYMN  286    t<  m. 

1.  "|"\OST  thou  my  worthless  name  record, 
U  Free  of  thy  holy  city.  Lord  ? 

Am  I,  a  sinner,  call'd  to  share 
The  precious  privileges  there  ? 

2.  Art  thou  my  King,  my  Father  styl'd  ? 
Am  1  thy  servant  and  thj  child? 

Whilst  wretched  millions  draw  their  breath 
In  lands  of  ignorance  and  death. 


VXD  LIFE,  IN  GENERAL.  107 

),  Shall  I  receive  tliis  grace  in  \ain  ? 

Shall  1  my  great  vocation  stain  ? 

Away,  ye  works  in  darkness  wrought  ! 

Away  each  sensual,  wanton  thought ! 
soul,  I  charge  thee  to  excel 

In  thinking  right  and  acting  well. 

Deep  let  thy  searching  pow'rs  engage, 

Unbiassed  in  the  sacred  page. 
5.  Strong,  and  more  strong,  thy  passions  rule, 

Advancing  still  in  virtue's  school ; 

Contending  still,  with  noble  strife, 

To  imitate  thy  .Saviour's  life. 

HYMN  287    l.  m. 

1.    AH  wretched  souls,  who  strive  in  vain, 
-£*-  Slaves  to  the  world,  and  slaves  to  sin! 
A  nobler  toil  may  I  sustain, 
A  nobler  satisfaction  win. 
2.1  would  resolve  with  all  my  heart, 

With  all  my  pow'rs  to  serve  the  Lord  ; 
Nor  from  his  precepts  e'er  depart, 
AY  hose  service  is  a  rich  reward. 

3.  O  be  his  service  all  my  joy  ' 

Around  let  my  example  shine; 

'Till  others  love  the  blest  employ, 

And  join  in  labours  so  di\ine. 

4.  Be  this  the  purpose  of  my  soul, 

My  solemn,  my  determined  choice, 
To  yield  to  his  supreme  control. 
And  in  his  kind  commands  rejoice. 

5.  O  may  I  never  faint  nor  tire, 

Nor  wander  from  thy  sacred  ways. 
Great  God  !  accept  my  soul's  desire, 
And  give  me  strength  to  live  thy  prak< . 

HYMN  288-  l.  m. 

1.    \  WAKE,  our  souls !  away  our  fears  ! 
-£*-  Let  tv'ry  trembling  thought  be.  gon- 
Awake,  and  run  the  heav'nly  race, 
And  put  a  cheerful  courage  on. 


108  THE  CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER 

2.  True,  'tis  a  strait  and  thorny  road. 

And  mortal  spirits  tire  and  faint; 
But  they  forget  the  mighty  God, 

Who  strength  imparts  fo  ev'ry  saint: 

3.  The  mighty  God,  whose  matchless  pow'V 

Is  ever  new  and  ever  young, 
And  firm  endures,  while  endless  3 

Their  everlasting  circles  run, 

4.  Swift  as  an  eagle  cuts  the  air, 

We'll  mount  aloft  to  thine  abode  ; 

On  wings  of  love  our  souls  shall  fly, 

Nor  tire  amidst  the  heav'nly  road. 

HYMN  289.  cm. 

i.    A  WAKE  my  soul !  stretch  ev'ry  nerve. 
-£*■  And  press  with  vigour  on: 
A  heav'nly  race  demands  thy  zed, 
And  an  immortal  crown. 
2.  A  cloud  of  witnesses  around 
Hold  thee  in  full  survey : 
Forget  the  steps  already  trod, 
And  onward  urge  thy  way. 
-3.  'Tis  God's  all-animating  voice, 
That  calls  thee  from  on  high  ; 
'Tis  his  own  hand  presents  the  prize 
To  thine  aspiring  eye: 
4. That  prize,  with  peerless  glories  bright, 
Which  shall  new  lustre  boast, 
When  victor's  crowns  and  monarch's  gems 
Shall  blend  in  common  dust. 

HYMN  290.  c.  m. 

L.  ("\UR  country  is  ImmanuePs  ground  ; 
^-^  We  seek  that  promisM  soil: 
The  songs  of  Zion  cheer  our  hearts. 
While  strangers  here  we  toil. 
8.  Oft  do  our  eyes  with  joy  o'erflow, 
And  oft  are  bath'd  m  tears: 
Vet  nought  but  heav'n  our  hopes  can  Fa»S4 
\nd  nought  but  cin,  our  fears. 


AND  LIFE,  IN  GENERAL.  IM 

3.  The  flow'rs,  that  spring  along  the  road, 

We  scarcely  stoop  to  pi  nek  ; 

We  walk  o'er  beds  of  shining  ore, 

Nor  waste  one  anxious  look. 

4.  We  tread  the  path  our  Master  trod  ; 

We  bear  the  cross  he  bore  ; 
And  ev'ry  thorn  that  wounds  our  feet, 
His  temples  piere'd  before. 

5.  Our  pow'rs  are  oft  dissolv'd  away 

In  ecstacies  of  love; 
And,  while  our  bodies  wander  here, 
Our  souls  are  fix'd  above. 

6.  We  purge  our  mortal  dross  away, 

Refining  as  we  run  ; 
But,  while  we  die  to  earth  and  sense, 
Our  heav'n  is  here  be^un. 

HYMN  291.  l.  m. 

1.  T  ET  sorrow,  Lord,  my  bosom  fill, 

-*-*  When  impious  men  transgress  thy  will ; 

Teach  me  to  mourn,  when  lips  profane 

Take  thy  tremendous  name  in  vain. 
L2.  With  indignation  may  I  treat 

The  works  of  malice  and  deceit; 

And  ever  from  their  friendship  flee, 

Who  dare  to  scorn  thy  laws  and  thee. 
3.  Doth  secret  mischief  lurk  within  ? 

Do  I  indulge  some  unknown  sin  ? 

O  turn  my  feet  whene'er  I  stray, 

And  lead  me  in  thy  perfect  way. 

HYMN  292.  s.  4. 

l.VE  servants  of  the  Lord, 
.    •*•   Each  in  his  office  wait, 
Observant  of  his  heav'nly  word, 
And  watchful  at  his  gate. 

2.  Let  all  your  lamps  be  bright, 

And  trim  the  golden  flame, 
Gird  up  your  loins,  as  in  hi> 
For  awful  is  his  name. 
P 


1(0  FAITH. 

3.  Watch  !  'tis  your  Lord's  command ; 

And  while  we  speak,  he's  near. 
Mark  the  first  signal  of  his  hand, 
And  ready  all  appear. 

4.  O  happy  servant  he, 

In  such  a  posture  found  ! 
He  shall  his  Lord  with  rapture  see. 
And  be  with  honour  crowu'd. 

HYMN  293.  l.  m. 

1.  A  SSIST  us,  Lord,  thy  name  to  praise, 
-£*■  For  this  rich  gospel  of  thy  grace ; 
And,  that  our  hearts  may  love  it  more, 
Teach  them  to  feel  its  vital  pow'r. 

2.  With  joy  may  we  our  course  pursue, 
And  keep  the  crown  of  life  in  view  ; 
That  crown,  which  in  one  hour  repays 
The  labour  often  thousand  days. 

3.  Should  bonds  or  death  obstruct  our  wray, 
Unmov'd  their  terrors  we'll  survey  ; 
And  the  last  hour  improve  for  thee, 
The  last  of  life  or  liberty. 

4.  Welcome  those  bonds,  which  may  unite 
Our  souls  to  their  supreme  delight ! 
Welcome  that  death,  whose  painful  strife 
Bears  us  to  Christ,  our  better  life. 


XVIII. 

FAITH. 

HYMN  294    c.  *. 

1.  T^AlTil  adds  new  charms  to  earthly  bliss 
-*-     And  saves  me  from  its  snares  ; 
Its  aid  in  ev'ry  duty  brings, 
And  softens  all  my  cares  ; 
%  Extinguishes  the  thirst  of  sin, 
Ana  lights  the  sacred  fire 
Of  love  to  God  and  heav'nly  things 

And  feds  the  puiv  desire. 


FAITH.  1 71 

■>.  The  wounded  conscience  knows  its  powY 
The  healing  balm  to  give  ; 
That  balm  the  saddest  heart  can  cheer, 
And  make  the  dying  live. 
i.  Wide  it  unveils  celestial  worlds, 
Where  deathless  pleasures  reign  ; 
And  bids  me  seek  my  portion  there, 
Nor  bids  me  seek  in  vain. 
.""►.  Shews  me  the  precious  promise  seal'd 
With  the  Redeemer's  blood  ; 
And  helps  my  feeble  hope  to  rest 
Upon  a  faithful  God. 
f>.  There,  there  unshaken  would  T  rest, 
Till  this  vile  body  dies  ; 
And  then  on  Faith's  triumphant  wings 
At  once  to  glory  rise. 

HYMN  295    l.  m. 

1.  ,fTMS  by  the  faith  of  joys  to  come, 

■     We  walk  through  deserts  dark  as  night ; 
'Till  we  arrive  at  heav'n  our  home, 
Faith  is  our  guide,  and  faith  our  light. 

2.  The  want  of  sight  she  well  supplies  ; 

She  makes  the  pearly  gates  appear ; 
Far  into  distant  worlds  she  pries, 
And  brings  eternal  glories  near. 

3.  Cheerful  we  tread  the  desert  through, 

While  faith  inspires  a  heav'nly  ray  ; 

Though  lions  roar,  and  tempests  blow, 

And  rocks  and  dangers  fill  the  way. 

4.  So  Abrah'm,  by  divine  command, 

Left  Ids  own  house  to  walk  with  God. 
His  faith  beheld  the  promis'd  land, 
And  iir'd  his  zeal  along  the  road. 

HYMN  296    l.  v. 

1.  T\^  various  maxims,  forms,  and  rules, 
-■-*  That  pass  for  wisdom  in  the  schools, 
I  strove  my  passians  to  restrain ; 
Bat  all  my  efforts  prov'd  in  vain. 


m  FAITH. 

2.  But  since  the  Saviour  1  have  known, 
My  rules  are  all  redue'd  to  one : — 
To  keep  my  Lord,  by  faith,  in  view. 
This  strength  supplies  and  motives  too. 

3. 1  see  him  lead  a  suffering  life, 
Vatient  amidst  reproach  and  strife  ; 
And  from  this  pattern  courage  take 
To  bear  and  suffer  for  his  sake. 

-1.  Upon  the  cross  I  see  him  bleed, 
And  by  the  sight  from  fear  am  freed. 
This  sight  destroys  the  life  of  sin, 
And  quickens  heav'nly  life  within. 

5.  To  look  to  Jesus  as  he  rose, 

Confirms  my  hope,  disarms  my  foes. 
The  world  1  shame  and  overcome, 
By  pointing  to  my  Saviour's  tomb. 

6. 1  see  him  look  with  pity  down, 
And  hold  in  view  the  conq'ror's  crown. 
If  pressM  with  griefs  and  cares  before, 
My  soul  revives,  and  asks  no  more. 

7.  By  faith  I  see  the  hour  at  hand, 
When  in  his  presence  I  shall  stand. 
Then  it  will  be  my  endless  bliss, 
To  see  him  where  and  as  he  is. 

HYMN  297.  i.  m. 

1.  1"  ORD,  dost  thou  shew  a  corner  stone, 
-*-*  Tor  us  to  build  our  hopes  upon, 
That  the  fair  edifice  may  rise 
Sublime  in  light  beyond  the  skies  ? 

2.  Thy  people  long  this  stone  have  try'd, 
And  all  the  pow'rs  of  hell  defy'd. 
Floods  of  temptation  beat  in  vain  ; 
Well  doth  this  rock  the  house  sustain. 

3.  When  storms  and  tempests  round  prerail, 
Whirlwind  and  thunder,  fire  and  hail  ; 
'Tis  here  our  trembling  souls  shall  hide, 
And  here  securely  they  abide. 

HYMN  298-  l.  m. 

1.  TN"  vain  would  boasting  reason  find 
-*-  The  path  to  happiness  and  God; 


FAITH. 
Her  weak  directions  leave  tin,'  mind 
Bewflder'd  io  a  doubtful  road. 

us,  thy  words  alone  impart 
Eternal  life;  on  these  I  live; 
Diviner  comforts  cheer  my  heart, 
Than  all  the  pow'rs  of  nature  gi>e. 
.>.  Here  let  my  constant  feet  abide  ; 
Thou  art  the  true,  the  living  way: 
Let  thy  good  spirit  be  my  guide 

To  the  bright  realms  of  endless  day. 
i.  The  various  forms  that  men  devise, 

To  shake  my  faitli  with  treach'rous  art, 
I  scorn  as  vanity  and  lies, 

And  bind  thy  gospel  to  my  heart. 

HYMN  299.  l  m. 

1.  TESTS  !  and  shall  it  ever  be, 

*'    A  mortal  man  asham'd  of  thee  ! 
Asham'd  of  thee,  whom  angels  praise, 
Whose  glory  shines  thro'  endless  days. 

2.  Asham'd  of  Jesus,  that  dear  friend, 
On  whom  my  hopes  of  heav'n  depend! 
Xo ;  when  I  blush,  be  this  my  shame, 
That  1  no  more  revere  his  name. 

«.  Asham'd  of  Jesus  !  yes,  T  may, 
When  I've  no  guilt  to  wash  away, 
No  tears  to  w  ipe,  no  good  to  crave, 
\o  fears  to  quell,  no  soul  to  save. 

4. His  institutions  will  1  prize  ; 

Take  up  the  cross,  the  shame  despise ; 
Dare  to  defend  his  noble  cause, 
And  yield  obedience  to  his  laws. 

HYMN  gOO    l.  m 

1.  CHALL  I  forsake  that  heav'nly  Friend, 
•^   On  whom  my  noblest  hopes  depend  ; 
Forbid  it  that  my  wand 'ring  heart 
From  thee,  my  Saviour,  should  depart ! 

2.  First  let  the  wheels  oflife  stand  still, 
Ere  I  forget  thy  gracious  will ; 

F  $ 


iH  FAITH. 

Ere  1  submit  to  guilty  shame, 
And  bring  dishonour  on  thy  name. 

0.  Faithful  to  thee,  and  to  thy  laws, 
With  zeal  I  would  maintain  thy  cause, 
The  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness, 
'Midst  trial,  sufPring,  and  distress. 

i.  ]f  e'er  I'm  call'd  t'  encounter  death 
For  thee,  may  I  resign  my  breath  ; 
And  reap  at  last  the  bright  reward, 
Which  waits  the  servants  of  the  Lord. 

HYMN  801.  l.  m. 

1.  "\\7'HAT  mean  these  jealousies  and  fears, 

*  *    As  if  my  Lord  were  loth  to  save  ? 
Or  lov'd  to  see  us  steep 'd  in  tears, 

And  sink  with  sorrow  to  the  grave  ? 

2.  Does  he  want  slaves  to  grace  his  throne  r 

Or  crush  them  with  an  iron  rod  ? 
Is  he  refresh'd  to  hear  us  groan  ? 
Is  he  a  tyrant,  or  a  God  ? 

3.  Not  all  th'  iniquities  thou'st  wrought 

So  much  his  tender  bowels  grieve, 
As  this  unkind  injurious  thought, — > 
That  lie's  unwilling  to  forgive. 

^  HYMN  802.  l.  m. 

1.  X\7H EN"  darkness  long  has  reil'd  my  mind, 

*  *     And  smiling  day  once  more  appears  ; 
Then,  my  Creator  !  then  I  find 

The  folly  of  my  doubts  and  fears. 

2.  Straight  I  upbraid  my  wand 'ring  heart, 

And  blush  that  1  should  ever  he 
Thus  prone  to  act  so  base  a  part, 

Or  harbour  one  hard  thought  of  thee. 

3.  O  let  me  then  be  fully  taught, 

What  I  am  still  so  slow  to  learn, 

That  God  is  love,  and  changes  not, 

Nor  knows  the  shadow  of  a  turn. 

HYMN  308.  i..  m. 

J.  OINC  to  the  Lord,  who  loud  proclaims 
^  His  various  and  his  saving  names. 


FAITH. 
O  may  they  not  be  heard  alone, 
But  by  cur  sure  experience  known. 

2.  Awake,  our  noblest  powVs,  to  bless 
The  God  of  Abra'm.  the  God  of  peace; 
Now  by  a  dearer  title  known, 

Father  and  God  of  Christ  his  Son. 

"5.  Through  ev'ry  age  his  gracious  ear 
Is  open  to  his  servants'  pray'r; 
Nor  can  one  humble  soul  complain, 
That  it  hath  sought  its  God  in  vain. 

4.  What  unbelieving  heart  shall  dare 
In  whispers  to  suggest  a  fear, 
While  still  he  owns  his  ancient  name, 
The  same  his  pow'r,  his  love  the  same  ? 

').  To  thee  our  souls  in  faith  arise, 
To  thee  we  lift  expecting  eyes, 
And  boldly  through  the  desert  tread  ; 
For  God  will  guard,  where  God  shall  lead. 

HYMN  804.  c.  k. 

].  TTAPPY  the  man,  whose  wishes  climb 
-*  J-  To  mansions  in  the  skies  ! 
He  looks  on  all  the  joys  of  time 
With  undesiring  eyes. 
K2.  In  vain  soft  pleasure  spreads  her  charms, 
And  throws  her  silken  chain  ; 
And  wealth  and  fame  invite  his  arms, 
And  tempt  his  ear  in  vain. 

3.  He  knows,  that  all  these  glitt'ring  things 

Must  yield  to  sure  decay ; 
And  sees  on  time's  extended  wings 
How  swift  they  flee  away  ! 

4.  To  things  unseen  by  mortal  eyes, 

A  beam  of  sacred  light 
Directs  his  view ;  his  prospects  rise 
All  permanent  and  bright. 

5.  His  hopes  are  fix'd  on  joys  to  eon 

Those  blissful  scenes  on  high 
Shall  flourish  in  immortal  bloom. 
When  time  and  nature  die 


170  DUTIES  OF  PIET* 

HYMN  305    c.  m. 

1.  A/f  ISTAKEX  souls,  that  dream  of  heav'n, 
-*-*-*•  And  make  their  empty  boast 

Of  inward  joys  and  sins  forgiv'n, 
While  they  are  slaves  to  lust ! 

2.  Vain  are  our  fancies,  airy  flights, 

If  faith  be  cold  and  dead; 
None  but  a  living  pow'r  unites 
To  Christ  the  living  Head  .— • 

3.  A  faith  that  changes  all  the  heart  \ 

A  faith  that  works  by  love  ; 
That  bids  all  sinful  joys  depart, 

And  lifts  the  thoughts  above, 
i.  Faith  must  obey  our  Father's  will, 

As  well  as  trust  his  grace  : 
A  pard'ning  God  requires  us  still 

To  perfect  holiness. 


XIX. 
DUTIES  OF  PIETY. 

HYMN  806.  l.  m. 

1.  INTERNAL  God,  almighty  cause 

-*-^  Of  earth,  and  seas,  and  worlds  unknown! 
All  tilings  are  subject  to  thy  laws; 
All  things  depend  on  thee  alone. 

2.  Thy  glorious  being  singly  stands, 

Of  all  within  itself  possest ; 
By  none  control'd  in  thy  commands, 
And  in  thyself  completely  blest. 

3.  To  thee  alone  ourselves  we  owe; 

Let  heav'n  and  earth  due  homage  pay  i 
All  other  gods  we  disavow, 
Deny  their  claims,  renounce  their  sway, 
i.  Tn  thee,  O  Lord,  our  hope  shall  rest, 
Fountain  of  peace  and  joy  aud  love  ! 


DUTIES  OF  PIETY.  177 

Thy  favour  only  makes  us  blest; 

Without  thee  all  would  nothing  prove. 

5.  Worship  to  thee  alone  belongs  ; 

Worship  to  thee  alone  we  give  j 
Thine  be  our  hearts  and  thine  our  songs, 
And  to  thy  glory  we  would  live. 

6.  Spread  thy  great  name  through  heathen  lands  ; 

Their  idol-deities  dethrone  ; 
Subdue  the  world  to  thy  commands, 
And  reign  as  thou  art,  God  alone. 

HYMN  §07.  l.  m. 

1.  f~*  RE  AT  God  !  thy  peerless  excellent 
^J  Let  all  created  natures  own  : 
Deep  on  our  minds  impress  the  sense 
Of  glories  which  are  thine  alone. 
'2.  Let  these  our  admiration  raise, 
And  fill  us  with  religious  awe  ; 
Tune  all  our  hearts  and  tongues  to  praise, 
And  bend  us  to  thy  holy  law. 
3.  Pure  may  we  be,  averse  to  sin, 
Just,  holy,  merciful,  and  true  : 
And  let  thine  image,  form'd  within, 
Shine  out  in  all  we  speak  and  do. 

HYMN  308.  cm. 

1.  TV/T Y  soul  before  thy  Maker  bow ; 
■*•**  His  wondrous  works  admire, 
Till  rev'rence  and  religious  awe 
Thine  inmost  thoughts  inspire. 
(2.  With  humble  trust  dismiss  thy  can-: 
And  on  his  love  depend ; 
Leave  him  to  manage  thine  affairs. 
To  him  thyself  commend. 
S.  Let  high  esteem  affection  raise; 
Devotion  warm  thy  breast ; 
Let  thankful  lose  excite  thy  praise  ; 
In  him  alone  be  blest, 
i.  To  him  thy  solemn  homage  pay  j 
His  constant  aid  implore  ; 


17*  DUTIES  OF  PIETY. 

Give  thanks  for  mercies  ev'ry  day, 
And  thus  prepare  for  more. 
5.  Without  reserve  to  him  submit ; 
All  his  commands  fulfil ; 
Acknowledge  all  his  actions  lit. 
Nor  e'er  oppose  his  will. 

HYMN  309.  l.  m. 

1.  INTERNAL  and  immortal  King  ! 

■*-*  Thy  peerless  splendours  none  can  bear ; 
But  darkness  veils  seraphic  eyes  ; 
When  God  with  all  his  glory's  there. 

2.  Yet  faith  can  pierce  the  awful  gloom, 

The  great  Invisible  can  see  : 
And  with  its  tremblings  mingle  joy, 
In  fix'd  regards,  great  God  !  to  thee. 

3.  Then  ev'ry  tempting  form  of  sin, 

Aw'd  by  thy  presence,  disappears; 
And  all  the  glowing  raplur'd  soul 
The  likeness,  it  contemplates,  wears. 

4.  O  ever  conscious  to  my  heart ! 

Witness  to  its  supreme  desire  ; 
Behold  it  presses  on  to  thee, 

For  it  hath  caught  the  heav'nly  fire. 

5.  This  one  petition  would  I  urge: 

To  bear  thee  ever  in  my  sight! 
In  life,  in  death,  in  worlds  unknown, 
My  only  portion  and  delight. 

HYMN  310    o.  m. 

1.  nplIRICE  happy  souls,  Mho,  born  ofheavH. 
-*-   Whilst  yet.  they  sojourn  here. 
Humbly  begin  their  days  with  God, 
Anil  spend  them  in  his  fear  ? 
ij.  So  may  our  eyes  with  holy  zeal 
Prevent  the  dawning  day, 
And  turn  the  sacred  pages  o'er, 
And  praise  thy  Dame  and  pray. 
.•>.  'Midst  hourly  cms  may  love  present 
Its  incense  to  thy  throne  ; 


DUTIES  OF  PIETY.  179 

Ami  while  the  world  our  hands  employs. 
Our  hearts  be  thine  alone  ! 

4.  As  sanctify'd  to  noblest  ends, 

Be  each  refreshment  sought ; 
And  by  each  various  providence 
Some  wise  instruction  brought. 

5.  When  to  laborious  duties  call'd, 

Or  by  temptations  try'd  ; 
We'll  seek  the  shelter  of  thy  wings, 
And  in  thy  strength  confide. 

6.  As  different  scenes  of  life  arise, 

Our  grateful  hearts  would  be 
With  thee  amidst  the  social  bant' 
In  solitude  with  thee. 

7.  At  night  we  lean  our  weary  heads 

On  thy  paternal  breast ; 
And  safely  folded  in  thine  arms, 
Resign  our  pow'rs  to  rest. 
S.  In  solid  pure  delights,  like  these, 
Let  all  my  days  be  past ; 
Xor  shall  I  then  impatient  wish, 
Nor  shall  1  fear  the  last. 

HYMN  811.  c.  m. 

*.  "V1THILE  thee  I  seek,  protecting  PowV 
*  *     Be  my  vain  wishes  still'd  ; 
And  may  this  consecrated  hour 
With  better  hopes  be  fill'd. 

S.  Thy  love  the  pow'rs  of  thought  bestow 'd. 
To  thee  mv  thoughts  would  soar. 
Thy  mercy  o'er  my  life  has  flow'd : 
That  mercy  I  adore. 
I  In  each  event  of  life,  how  clear 
Thy  ruling  hand  1  see  ! 
Bach  blessing  to  my  soul  more  dear, 

Because  bestow'd  by  thee. 
In  i  vYy  joy  that  crowns  my  days, 

In  ev'ry  pain  I  bear, 
My  heart  shall  find  delight  in  pruis--. 


ISO  DUTIES  OF  PIETY. 

5.  "When  gladness  wings  my  favour 'd  hour, 

Thy  love  my  thoughts  shall  fill: 
Resign \1,  when  storms  of  sorrow  low'r, 
My  soul  shall  meet  thy  will. 

6.  My  lifted  eye,  without  a  tear, 

The  low 'ring  storm  shall  see; 
My  steadfast  heart  shall  know  no  fear : 
That  heart  will  rest  on  thee  ! 

HYMN  812.  l.  m. 

I .  i"|UR  Father,  thron'd  above  the  sky, 
"  To  thee  our  empty  hands  we  spread ; 
Thy  children  at  thy  footstool  lie, 
And  ask  thy  blessings  on  their  head. 
c2.  With  cheerful  hope,  and  filial  fear, 
In  that  august  and  precious  name, 
By  thee  ordain'd,  we  now  draw  near, 
And  would  the  promis'd  blessing  claim, 

3.  Does  not  an  earthly  parent  hear 

The  cravings  of  his  famish'd  son  ? 
Will  he  reject  the  filial  pray'r, 

Or  mock  him  with  a  cake  of  stone  ? 

4.  Our  hcav'nly  Father,  how  much  more 

Will  thy  divine  compassion  rise ; 
And  open  thy  unbounded  store, 
To  satisfy  thy  children's  cries  ? 
j.  Yes,  we  will  ask,  and  seek,  and  press 
For  gracious  audience  at  thy  seat; 
Still  hoping,  waiting  for  success, 
If  persevering  to  entreat. 
().  For  Jesus  in  his  faithful  word 

The  upright  supplicant  has  blest ; 
And  all  thy  saints  with  one  accord 
The  prevalence  of  pray'r  attest. 

HYMN  818.  c  m. 

1.  TTAPPY  the  heart,  where  graces  reign, 
-*-*-  Where  love  inspires  the  breast: 
Love  is  the  brightest  of  the  train, 
And  strengthens  all  the  rest. 


DUTIES  OF  PIETY.  181 

2.  Knowledge,  alas  !  'tis  all  in  vain, 

And  all  in  vain  our  tear : 
Our  stubborn  sins  will  fight  and  reign, 
If  love  be  absent  there. 

3.  'Tis  love  that  makes  our  cheerful  feet 

In  swift  obedience  move. 
The  devils  know,  and  tremble  too  ; 
But  devils  do  not  love. 

4.  This  is  the  grace,  that  lives  and  sings, 

When  faith  and  hope  shall  cease. 
'Tis  this  shall  strike  our  joyful  strings 
In  the  sweet  realms  of  bliss. 

HYMN  314    p.  m. 

i.  rpHOU  hidden  love  of  God,  whose  height, 
-*-    Whose  depth  unfathom'd  no  man  knows  : 
I  see  from  far  thy  beauteous  light, 

I  only  sigh  for  thy  repose; 

My  heart  is  paiu'd,  nor  can  it  be 

At  rest,  till  it  finds  re-st  in  thee. 

-.  Is  there  a  thing  beneath  the  sun, 

That  strives  with  thee  my  heart  to  share 
Ah  !  tear  it  thence,  and  reign  alone, 

The  Lord  of  ev'ry  motion  there. 
Then  shall  my  heart  from  earth  be  free, 
When  it  hath  found  repose  in  thee. 
3.  Each  moment  draw  from  earth  away 

My  heart,  that  lowly  waits  thy  call. 
Speak  to  my  inmost  soul,  and  say: 

"  I  am  thy  love,  thy  God,  thy  "all  !" 
To  feel  thy  pow'r,  to  hear  thy  voice, 
To  taste  thy  love,  be  all  my  choice. 

HYMN  315    p  m. 

1.T3ARENT  of  good  !  thy  works  of  might. 
-*-    1  trace  with  wonder  and  delight ; 

Thy  name  is  all  divine. 
There's  nought  irf  earth  or  sea  or  air. 
Or  heav'n  itself,  that's  good  or  fair, 
But  what  is  wholly  thine 

Q 


182  DUTIES  OF  PIETY. 

2.  Immensely  high  thy  glories  rise  ; 

They  strike  my  soul  with  sweet  surprise, 

And  sacred  pleasure  yield: 
An  ocean  wide  without  a  bound, 
Where  ev'ry  noble  wish  is  drown'd, 

And  ev'ry  want  is  filPd. 

3.  To  thee  my  warm  affections  move, 
In  sweet  astonishment  and  love, 

While  at  thy  feet  I  fall ; 
I  pant  for  nought  beneath  the  skies; 
To  thee  my  ardent  wishes  rise, 

O  my  eternal  All  ! 

4.  What  shall  I  do  to  spread  thy  praise, 
My  God  !  through  my  remaining  days, 

Or  how  thy  name  adore  ? 
To  thee  I  consecrate  my  breath ; 
Let  me  be  thine  in  life  and  death, 

And  thine  for  evermore. 

HYMN  816-  l.  m. 

1.  p  REAT  God  !  our  joyful  thanks  to  thee 
^J  Shall,  like  thy  gifts,  continual  be : 

In  constant  streams  thy  bounty  flows, 
Nor  end  nor  interruption  know  s. 

2.  From  thee  our  comforts  all  arise, 

Our  num'rous  wants  thy  hand  supplies  ; 
Ncr  can  we  ever,  Lord,  be  poor, 
Who  live  on  thy  exhaustless  store. 

3.  Deep,  Lord,  upon  our  thankful  bin  R 
Let  all  thy  favours  be  imprest ; 
That  we  may  never  more  forget 
The  whole  or  any  single  debt. 

4.  May  we  with  grateful  hearts  each  day 
For  all  thy  gifts  our  praises  pay  ; 
And  still  delighted  may  we  be, 

In  all  things  to  give  thanks  to  thee.. 

HYMN  817    i    m. 

1.  f^  Ol)  of  my  life,  through  all  its  da*  s 

^*    My  grateful  pow'rs  shall  sound  thy  pra 
The  song  shall  wake  with  op'ning  light, 
And  cheer  the  dark  and  silent  night 


DUTIES  OF  PIETY.  183 

z.  When  anxious  cares  would  break  my  rest. 

And  griefs  would  rend  my  throbbing  breast, 

Thy  tuneful  praises  rais'd  on  high 

Shall  check  the  murmur  and  the  sigh. 
3.  When  death  o'er  nature  shall  prevail, 

And  all  its  pow'rs  of  language  fail ; 

Joy  through  my  swimming  eyes  shall  break 

And  mean  the  thanks  I  cannot  speak. 
i.  Hut  O  when  that  last  conflict's  o'er, 

And  I  am  chain'd  to  earth  no  more ; 

With  what  glad  accents  shall  I  rise, 

To  join  the  music  of  the  skies! 
rK  Soon  shall  I  learn  th'  exalted  strains, 

Which  echo  o'er  the  heav'nly  plains ; 

And  emulate  with  joy  unknown, 

The  glowing  seraphs  lound  thy  throne. 

HYMN  318.  s.'m. 

1.  "V/f  Y  Father  !  cheering  name  ! 
■*^*~  O  may  I  call  thee  mine ! 
Give  me  with  humble  hope  to  claim 

A  portion  so  divine. 

2.  This  can  my  fears  control, 

And  hid  my  sorrows  fly: 
What  real  harm  can  reach  my  soul 
Beneath  my  Father's  eye  ; 

3.  Whate'er  thy  will  denies, 

I  calmly  would  resign  ; 
For  thou  art  just,  and  good,  and  wise  : 
O  bend  my  will  to  thine  ! 

4.  Whate'er  thy  will  ordains, 

O  give  me  strength  to  bear : 
Still  let  me  know,  a  Father  reigns, 
And  trust  a  Father's  care. 
".  If  anguish  rend  this  frame, 
And  life  almost  depart: 
Is  not  thy  mercy  still  the  same. 
To  cheer  my  drooping  heart 
6.  Thy  ways  are  little  know  n 
To  my  weak  erring  sight ; 


184  DUTIES  OF  PIETY. 

Yet  slnll  my  soul,  believing,  own, 
That  all  thy  Mays  are  right 
7.  My  Father  !  blissful  name  ! 
Beyond  expression  dear : 
If  thou  admit  my  humble  claim, 
1  bid  adieu  to  fear. 

HYMN  819   c.  m. 

1.  f\  Lord  !  my  best  desires  fulfil, 
^^  And  help  me  to  resign 

Life,  health,  and  comfort  to  thy  will, 
And  make  thy  pleasure  mine. 

2.  Why  should  I  shrink  at  thy  command, 

Whose  love  forbids  my  fears  ? 
Or  tremble  at  thy  gracious  hand, 
That  wipes  away  my  tears  ? 

3.  No  ;  let  me  rather  freely  yield 

What  most  I  prize  to  thee, 
Who  never  hast  a  good  withheld, 
Or  wilt  withhold  from  me. 

4.  Wisdom  and  mercy  guide  my  way ; 

Shall  1  resist  them  both  ? 
Short-sighted  creature  of  a  day, 
And  crush 'd  before  the  moth! 

5.  But  ah  !  my  heart  within  me  cries, 

Still  bind  me  to  thy  sway  ; 
Else  the  next  cloud,  that  veils  the  skies, 
Drives  all  these  thoughts  away. 

HYMN  §20.  cm. 

1.  ^IT^IIEN  present  sufPrings  pain  my  heart, 

*  »     Or  future  terrors  rise, 
And  life  and  hope  almost  depart 
From  these  dejected  eyes: 

2.  Thy  powYful  word  supports  my  hope, 

Sweet  cordial  of  the  mind  ! 

And  bears  my  fainting  spirit  up, 

And  bids  me  wait  resignM. 

S.  And  oh  !  whateVr  of  earthly  bliss 

Thy  providence  denies, 


DUTIES  OF  PIETY  185 

Accepted  at  thy  throne  of  grace 

Let  this  petition  rise: 
i.  Give  me  a  calm,  a  thankful  heart. 

From  evYy  murmur  free  ; 
The  blessings  of  thv  grace  impart, 

And  let  me  live  to  thee. 
It  the  sweet  hope,  that  I  am  thine, 

My  path  of  life  attend  ; 
Thy  presence  through  mv  journey  shine, 

And  crown  my  journey's  end) 

HYMN  881.  l.  m. 

\  VTHY  sinks  my  weak  desponding  mind  ? 
*  *     Why  heaves  my  heart  the  anxious  sigh  r 
Can  sov'reign  goodness  be  unkind  ? 

Am  1  not  safe,  if  God  be  nigh  ? 
1 1    holds  all  nature  in  his  hand  : 

That  gracious  hand,  on  which  I  live, 
Does  life,  ami  time,  and  death  command; 

And  has  immortal  joys  to  give. 
3.  Infinite  wisdom  !  boundless  pow'r  ! 

Unchanging  faithfulness  and  love  ! — 
Here  let  me  trust,  while  1  adore, 

Nor  from  my  refuge  e'er  remove. 
•*.  Forgive  my  doubts,  O  gracious  Lord  ! 

And  ease  the  sorrows  of  my  breast ; 
Speak  to  my  heart  the  healing  word, 

That  thou  art  mine. — and  I  am  blest. 

HYMN  822    l.  m. 

1.  \V"HY  is  my  heart  with  grief  opprest : 

»  ▼     Can  all  the  pains  I  feel  or  fear 

Make  thee,  my  soul,  forget  thy  rest, 

Forget  that  God,  thy  God  is  near  ? 

2.  Mortality's  unnumber'd  ills 

Are  all  beneath  his  sov'reign  hand  ; 
Each  pain  which  this  frail  body  feels, 
Attends,  obedient,  his  command. 
?.  Lord,  form  my  temper  to  thy  will  ! 
If  thou  mv  faith  and  patience  prove. 

Q  a 


186  DUTIES  OF  PIETV. 

May  ev'ry  painful  stroke  fulfil 
The  purposes  of  faithful  love  ! 
4.  O  may  this  weak,  this  fainting  mind 
A  Father's  hand  adoring  see ; 
Confess  thee  just,  and  wise,  and  kind, 
And  trust  thy  word,  and  cleave  to  thee ! 

HYMN  §23.  s    m. 

1.  TVTHEX  overwhelm'd  with  grief, 

*  *     My  heart  within  me  dies  ; 
Helpless,  and  far  from  all  relief, 
To  hcav'n  I  lift  mine  eyes. 

2.  O  lead  me  to  the  rock 

That's  high  above  my  head ; 
And  make  the  covert  of  thy  wings, 
My  shelter  and  my  shade. 

3.  Within  thy  presence,  Lord  ! 

For  ever  I'll  abide  : 
Thou  art  the  tow'r  of  my  defence, 
The  refuge  where  I  hide. 

4.  Thou  givest  me  the  lot 

Of  those  that  fear  thy  name. 
If  endless  life  be  their  reward, 
I  shall  possess  the  same. 

HVMN  824    l  v. 

1.  /COURAGE,  my  soul !  while  God  is  near. 
^   What  enemy  hast  thou  to  fear  ? 

How  canst  thou  want  a  sure  defence, 
Whose  refuge  is  omnipotence  ? 

2.  Tho'  thickest  dangers  crowd  my  way, 
Mj  God  can  chase  my  fears  away  : 
My  steadfast  heart  on  him  relies, 
And  all  those  dangers  still  defies. 

3.  Tho'  billows  after  billows  roll, 
To  overwhelm  my  sinking  soul; 
Firm  as  a  rock  nn  faith  shall  stand, 
Upheld  by  God's  ahnighu  hand. 

4.  In  life,  his  presence  is  my  aid  ; 

In  death,  'twill  guide  me  thro'  the  shade? 
Chase  all  my  rising  fears  away, 
And  turn  my  darkness  into  day. 


PERSONAL  DUTIES.  187 

XX 

PERSONAL  DUTIES. 


HYMN  825 


S.    M. 


1.  TMPOSTURE  shrinks  from  light, 
A  And  dreads  the  curious  eye  : 
But  christian  truths  the  test  invite, 

They  hid  us  search  and  try. 

2.  A  meek  inquiring  mind, 

Lord,  help  us  to  maintain  : 
That  growing  knowledge  we  may  find, 
And  growing  virtue  gain. 

3.  With  understanding  bless'd, 

Created  to  be  free, 
Our  faith  on  man  we  dare  not  rest, 
Subject  to  none  hut  thee. 

4.  Lord,  give  the  light  we  need 

With  soundest  knowledge  fill  ; 
From  noxious  error  guard  our  creed, 
From  prejudice  our  will. 
...The  truth  thou  shalt  impart, 
May  we  with  firmness  own; 
Abhorring  each  evasive  art, 
And  fearing  thee  alone. 

HTMN  826-  l.  m. 

1.  A  WAKE.,  my  soul  !  rouse  ev'ry  pow'r; 
-^*-  Thy  christian  dignity  display  : 

Let  lust  and  passion  reign  no  more  ; 
No  longer  own  their  lawless  sway. 

2.  Thy  temper  meek  and  humble  be, 

Content  and  pleas'd  with  ev'ry  state  ; 
From  dire  revenge  and  envy  free, 
And  w  ild  ambition  to  be  great. 
9.  Confine  thy  roving  appetites  ; 

From  this  vain  world  withdraw  thine  eyes: 
Fix  them  on  those  divine  delights, 
Which  angels  taste  above  the  skies. 


188  PERSONAL  DUTIES. 

4.  With  eager  zeal  pursue  the  prize  ; 
Each  fleeting  hour  of  life  improve  r 
This  course  will  speak  thee  truly  wise, 
And  raise  thee  to  the  world  above. 

HYMN  327    l.  m. 

1.  f\  Tho  l   whose  scales  the  mountains  weigh  ! 
^-^  Whose  will  the  raging  sens  obey  ! 
Thou,  who  canst  boist'rous  winds  control ! 
Subdue  the  tumults  of  my  soul. 

2.  May  I  with  equal  mind  sustain 
My  lot  of  pleasure  and  of  pain  ; 
May  joys  and  sorrows  gently  flow, 
Nor  rise  too  high,  nor  sink  too  low.' 

3.  Do  thou  my  passions,  Lord,  restrain, 
And  in  my  soul  unrivall'd  reign. 
Then,  with  whatever  loads  oppress'd, 
Centred  in  thee,  my  soul  shall  rest. 

4.  O  when  shall  my  still  wav'iing  mind 
This  sweetest  self-possession  find  ! 
Fountain  of  joy  !  1  long  to  see 

In  thee  my  peace,  my  neav'n  in  thee  ! 

HYMN  828    c.  m. 

1.  (~\  'tis  a  lovely  thing  to  see 
^-^  A  man  of  prudent  heart, 

Whose  thoughts  and  lips  and  life  agree 
To  act  an  useful  part. 

2.  When  envy,  strife,  and  war  begin 

In  little  angry  souls; 
Mark,  how  the  sons  of  peace  come  in 
And  quench  the  kindling  coals. 

3.  Their  minds  are  humble,  mild,  and  meek  . 

No  furious  passions  rise ; 
Nor  malice  moves  their  lips  to  speak, 
Nor  pride  exalts  their  eyes. 

4.  Their  lives  are  prudence  mix'd  with  love ; 

Good  works  employ  their  day  ; 
They  join  the  serpent  with  the  dove, 
But  cast  the  sting  ftW«)  . 


PERSONAL  DUTIES.  189 

i.  Such  was  the  Saviour  of  mankind  ; 
Such  pleasures  he  pursu'd  ; 
His  manners  gentle  and  refin'd. 
His  soul  divinely  good. 

HYMN  829    l.  at. 

1.  Ti/fARK  !  when  tempestuous  winds  arise, 
lYl  The  wild  confusion  and  uproar ; 

All  ocean  mixing  with  the  skies. 

And  wrecks  are  dash'd  upon  the  shore. 

2.  Not  less  confusion  racks  the  mind, 

By  its  own  fierce  ideas  tost ; 
Calm  reason  is  to  rage  resign 'd, 
And  in  the  whirl  of  passion  lost. 

3.  O  self-tormenting  child  of  pride, 

Anger,  bred  up  in  hate  and  strife  ! 
Ten  thousand  ills,  by  thee  supply'd, 
Mingle  the  cr.p  of  bitter  life. 
1.  Happy  the  meek,  whose  gentle  breast, 
Clear  as  the  summer's  ev'ning  ray, 
Calm  as  the  regions  of  the  blest, 
Enjoys  on  earth  celestial  day  ! 
5.  No  friendships  broke  their  bosom's  sting, 
No  jars  their  peaceful  tent  invade  ; 
Secure  beneath  th'  almighty  wing, 
And,  foes  to  none,  of  none  afraid. 
C.  Spirit  of  grace,  all  meek  and  mild  ! 

Inspire  our  hearts,  our  souls  possess  ; 
Repel  each  passion  rude  and  wild, 
And  bless  us  as  we  aim  to  bless. 

HYMN  880.  p.  m. 

1.  TF  solid  happiness  we  prize, 

■*  Within  our  breasts  this  jewel  lies  ; 

And  they  are  fools  who  roam. 
The  world  has  little  to  bestow  : 
From  our  own  selves  our  joys  must  flow  ; 
Our  bliss  begins  at  home. 
%  Well  therefore  relish  with  content 
Whate'er  kind  providence  has  sent. 
Nor  aim  beyond  our  pow'r: 


190  PERSONAL  DUTIES. 

And  if  our  store  of  wealth  be  small. 
With  thankful  heart  improve  it  all, 
Nor  waste  the  present  hour. 

3.  To  be  resign'd,  when  ills  betide, 
Patient,  when  favours  are  denied, 

And  pleas'd  with  favours  giv'n  : 
This  is  the  wise,  the  virtuous  part; 
This  is  that  incense  of  the  heart, 

Whose  fragrance  reaches  heav'u. 

4.  Thus  thro'  life's  changing  scenes  we'll  go  ; 
Its  chequer'd  paths  of  joy  and  wo 

With  cautious  steps  we'll  tread  ; 
Quit  its  vain  scenes  without  a  tear, 
"Without  a  trouble  or  a  fear, 

And  mingle  with  the  dead  : 

5.  While  conscience,  like  a  faithful  friend, 
Shall  thro'  the  gloomy  vale  attend, 

And  cheer  our  dying  breath  ; 
Shall,  when  all  other  comforts  cease, 
Like  a  kind  angel,  whisper  peace, 

And  smooth  the  bed  of  death. 

HYMN  881.  o.  m. 

1.  AT Y  gracious  God,  accept  my  pray'r 
-LWA  If  e'er  thy  love  divine 

Should  prosper  my  well-meaning  care 
And  wealth  should  e'er  be  mine: 

2.  May  humble  worth  without  a  fear 

Approach  my  open  door ; 
Nor  may  I  ever  view  a  tear, 
Regardless,  from  the  poor. 

3.  O  bless  me  with  an  honest  mind, 

Above  all  selfish  ends  ; 
Humanely  warm  to  all  mankind, 
And  cordial  to  my  friends. 

4.  Thee  in  remembrance  may  I  bear, 

To  thee  mj  tribute  raise  ; 
Conclude  each  day  v.  ith  fervent  pray'r. 
And  wake  each  morn  with  praise. 

5.  Thus  through  my  life  may  I  approve 

The  gratitude  I  owe ; 


PERSONAL  DUTIES.  191 

And  share  at  length  thy  bliss  above, 
Whose  laws  I  keep  below  ! 

HYMN  882.  l.  m. 

J.  AT^HEREFOllE  should  man,  frail  child  of  clay. 
*  *     Who,  from  the  cradle  to  the  shroud, 
Lives  but  the  insect  of  a  day, — 

O  why  should  mortal  man  be  proud  ? 
'i.  His  brightest  visions  just  appear, 

Then  vanish,  and  no  more  are  found  : 
The  stateliest  pile  his  pride  can  rear, 
A  breath  may  level  with  the  ground. 
3.  By  doubts  perplex'd  in  error  lost, 

With  trembling  step  he  seeks  his  way : 
How  vain  of  wisdom's  gift  the  boast  ? 
Of  reason's  lamp  how  faint  the  ray  ! 
-i.  Follies  and  crimes,  a  countless  sum, 
Are  crowded  in  life's  little  span: 
How  ill,  alas,  does  pride  become 
That  erring,  guilty  creature,  man  ! 

5.  God  of  my  life  !  Father  divine  ! 

Give  me  a  meek  and  lowly  mind ; 
In  modest  worth  O  let  me  shine, 
And  peace  in  humble  virtue  find. 

HYMN  888.  l.  m. 

1.  /"^ET  have  I  turn'd  my  eye  within, 

^~J  And  brought  to  light  some  latent  sin  j 
But  pride,  the  vice  I  most  detest, 
Still  lurks  securely  in  my  breast. 

2.  She  hides  my  follies  from  mine  eyes, 
And  lifts  my  virtues  to  the  skies ; 
And,  while  the  specious  tale  she  tells, 
1  lei*  own  deformity  conceals. 

3.  Rend,  ()  my  God  !  the  veil  away  ; 
Bring  forth  the  monster  to  the  day  ; 
Expose  her  hideous  form  to  Aiew, 
And  all  her  restless  pow'r  subdue. 

i.  So  shall  humility  divine 

tgain  possess  this  heart  of  mine  ; 


I«J2  PERSONAL  DUTIES. 

And  form  a  temple  tor  my  God, 
Which  he  will  make  his  lov'd  abode. 

HYMN  834.  l.  m. 

1.  rj^HE  man,  whose  firm  and  equal  mind 
J-    To  solid  glory  is  inclin'd, 
Determin'd  will  his  path  pursue, 
And  keep  the  godlike  prize  in  view. 

l2.  His  calm,  undaunted,  manly  breast, 
Ot*  virtue,  honour,  truth  possest, 
Will  stem  the  torrent  of  the  age, 
And  fearless  tread  this  mortal  stage. 

3.  Amidst  th'  assailing  ills  of  life, 
Pride,  passion,  malice,  envy,  strife. 
He'll  act  his  part  without  disguise. 
Intrepid,  gen  'rous,  just,  and  wise. 

4.  In  conscious  rectitude  secure, 
This  man  unshaken  shall  endure 
Of  human  woes  the  num'rous  train, 
Oppression,  bondage,  sickness,  pain. 

5.  And  when,  at  last,  th'  eternal  Powt 
Shall  fix  th'  irrevocable  hour, 

That  solemn  hour  which  none  can  fly, 
Since  'tis  decreed  that  all  must  die  : 
C.  Conscious  of  sov 'reign  mercy  near, 
Its  voice  shall  banish  ev'ry  fear; 
While  faith  and  hope  in  joys  to  come 
Waft  him  to  realms  beyond  the  tomb. 

HYMN  835.  l.  m. 

1.  "\|"Y  God  !  permit  me  not  to  be 
-L*-*  A  stranger  to  myself  and  thee  ; 
Amidst  a  thousand  thoughts  I  rove, 
Forgetful  of  my  highest  love. 

2.  Why  should  my  passions  mix  with  earth. 
And  thus  debase  my  heav'nly  birth  } 
Why  should  1  cleave  to  things  below. 
And  let  my  God,  my  Father,  go  ? 

3.  Call  me  away  from  flesh  and  sense  ; 
Thy  gracious  word  can  draw  me  tl 


SOCIAL  DUTIES.  190 

I  would  obey  the  voice  divine, 
And  all  inferior  joys  resign. 
i.  Be  earth,  with  all  her  cares,  withdrawn; 
Let  noise  and  vanity  be  gone  : 
In  secret  silence  of  the  mind, 
My  heav'n,  and  there  my  God,  I  find. 

HYMN  886-  l.  m. 

1.  Tl  ETURNj  my  roving  heart,  return, 

-I*'  And  chase  these  shadowy  forms  no  more  ; 
Seek  out  some  solitude  to  mourn, 
And  thy  forsaken  God  implore. 

2.  Wisdom  and  pleasure  dwell  at  home  ; 

Retir'd  and  silent  seek  them  there : 
This  is  the  way  to  overcome, 

The  way  to  break  the  tempter's  snare. 

3.  And  thou,  my  God,  whose  piercing  eye 

Distinct  surveys  each  deep  recess, 
In  these  abstracted  hours  dnw  nigh, 
And  with  thy  presence  fill  the  place. 

4.  Through  all  the  mazes  of  my  heart, 

My  search  let  heav'nly  wisdom  guide  ; 
And  still  its  radiant  beams  impart, 
'Till  all  be  search'd  and  purified. 

5.  Then  with  the  visits  of  thy  love 

Vouchsafe  my  inmost  soul  to  cheer; 
'Till  ev'ry  grace  shall  join  to  prove, 
That  God  hath  fix'd  his  dwelling  there. 

XXI. 
SOCIAL  DUTIES. 


HYMN  887.  l.  m. 

.  TF  high  or  low  our  station  be, 
■*■  Of  noble  or  ignoble  name  ; 
By  uncorrupted  honesty, 
Thv  blessings,  Lord,  we'll  humbly  claim 
R 


194  SOCIAL  DUTIES. 

2.  Enrich'd  with  that,  no  want  we'll  fear, 

Thy  providence  shall  be  our  trust. 
Thou  wilt  supply  our  portion  here, 
Thou  friend  and  guardian  of  the  just ! 

3.  Oh  !  may  we,  with  sincere  delight, 

To  all  the  task  of  duty  pay  ; 
Tender  of  ev'ry  social  right, 
Obedient  to  thy  lawful  sway  ! 

4.  Such  virtue  thou  wilt  not  forget 

In  that  blest  world,  where  virtue  shares 
A  fit  reward ;  though  not  of  debt 

But  what  tliy  boundless  grace  prepares. 

HYMN  gg8.  c.  m. 

1.  /^lOME,  let  us  search  our  ways  and  try  ; 
^  Have  they  been  just  and  right  ? 

Is  the  great  rule  of  equity 
Our  practice  and  delight  ? 

2.  What  we  would  have  our  neighbour  do. 

Have  we  still  done  the  same  ? 
From  others  ne'er  withheld  the  due. 
Which  we  from  others  claim  ? 

3.  Have  we  ne'er  envied  others7  good. 

Nor  envied  others'  praise ; 
In  no  man's  path  malignant  stood. 
Nor  us'd  detraction's  ways  ? 

4.  Have  we  not,  deaf  to  his  request, 

Turn'd  from  another's  wo  ? 
The  scorn,  which  rings  the  suff'rer's  breast, 
Have  we  abhorr'd  to  shew  ? 

5.  Then  may  we  raise  our  modest  pray -r 

To  God,  the  just  and  kind  ; 
May  humbly  cast  on  him  our  care, 
And  hope  his  grace  to  find. 

6.  Religion's  path  they  never  trod, 

Who  equity  contemn; 
Xor  ever  are  they  just  to  God, 
Who  prove  unjust  to  nun. 

HYMN  889.  l.  m. 

I.  f\  God,  my  Saviour,  and  my  King, 
■  "  Of  aL1  J  have  or  hoj  •. 


SOCIAL  DUTIES.  195 

Send  down  thy  spirit  from  above, 
And  warm  my  heart  with  holy  love. 

2.  May  1  from  ev'ry  act  abstain, 
That  gives  another  grief  or  pain  ; 
Still  may  I  feel  my  heart  inclin'd, 
To  be  the  friend  of  all  mankind. 

3.  With  pity  let  my  breast  o'erflow, 
When  I  behold  a  brother's  wo  ; 
And  bear  a  sympathising  part, 
Whene'er  I  meet  a  wounded  heart. 

4.  And  let  my  neighbour's  prosp'rous  stale 
A  mutual  joy  in  me  create  ; 

His  virtuous  triumph  let  me  join  ; 
His  peace  and  happiness  be  mine. 

5.  Yea,  though  my  neighbour's  hate  I  prove. 
Still  let  me  vanquish  hate  with  love ; 
Slow  to  resent,  though  he  would  grieve, 
But  always  ready  to  forgive. 

6. Let  love  through  all  my  conduct  shine, 
An  image  fair,  though  faint,  of  thine  ; 
Let  me  thy  humble  foll'wer  prove, 
Father  of  men,  great  God  of  love  ! 

HYMN  810.  cm. 

1.  I"   ET  Pharisees  of  high  esteem 
-*-^  Their  faith  and  zeal  declare  : 
All  their  religion  is  a  dream, 

If  love  be  wanting  there. 

2.  Love  suffers  long  with  patient  eye, 

Nor  is  provok'd  in  haste  ; 

She  lets  the  present  inj'ry  die, 

And  long  forgets  the  past. 

3.  Malice  and  rage,  those  fires  of  hell, 

^he  quenches  with  her  tongue  ; 
Hopes  and  believes  and  thinks  no  ill, 
Tho'  she  endures  the  wrong, 
i.  She  ne'er  desires,  nor  seeks  to  know 
The  scandals  of  the  time  ; 
Nor  looks  with  pride  on  those  belov. 
Nor  envies  those  that  climb. 


196  SOCIAL  DUTIES. 

5.  She  lays  her  own  advantage  by, 

To  seek  her  neighbours'  good. 
So  God's  own  Son  came  down  to  die, 
And  save  us  by  his  blood. 

6.  Love  is  the  grace  that  keeps  her  pow'r 

In  all  the  realms  above  ; 
There  faith  and  hope  are  known  no  more. 
But  saints  for  ever  love. 

HYMN  841.  l  m. 

i.  "OLEST  is  the  man,  whose  heart  is  kind 
-D  And  melts  with  pity  to  the  poor; 
Who  with  a  sympathising  mind, 
Feels  what  his  fellow-men  endure. 

2.  His  heart  contrives  for  their  relief 

More  good  than  his  own  hands  can  do : 
He  in  the  time  of  gen'ral  grief 
Shall  find,  the  Lord  hath  pity  too. 

3.  This  man  shall  live  secure  on  earth, 

With  secret  blessings  on  his  head ; 
Though  sword,  or  pestilence,  or  dearth. 
Around  him  multiply  their  dead. 

4.  Or,  if  with  mortal  suff'rings  try'd, 

Suff'rings  shall  all  his  soul  refine  ; 
Sweet  hope  his  refuge  shall  provide, 
And  minister  a  bliss  divine. 

HYMN  842    p.  m 

1.  TfATHER  of  our  feeble  race, 
■*•     Wise,  beneficent,  and  kind  ! 
Spread  o'er  nature's  ample  face, 

Flows  thy  goodness  unconfin'd. 
Musing  in  the  silent  grove, 

« )r  the  busy  walks  of  men, 
Still  we  trace  thy  wondrous  love. 

Claiming  large  returns  again* 

2.  Lord,  what  off'ring  shall  we  bring, 

At  thine  altars  when  we  bow  ? 
Hearts,  the  pure  unsullied  spring, 
Whence  the  kind  affections  now; 


SOCIAL  DUTIES.  197 

Soft  compassion's  feeling  soul, 

By  the  melting  eye  express'd ; 
Sympathy,  at  whose  control 

Sorrow  leaves  the  tortur'd  breast; 
S.  Willing  hands  to  lead  the  blind, 

Bind  the  wound,  or  feed  the  poor ; 
Love,  embracing  all  our  kind  ; 

Charity,  with  lib'ral  store. 
Teach  us,  O  thou  heav'nly  King. 

Thus  to  show  our  grateful  mind  ; 
Thus  th'  accepted  ofTriog  bring, 

I.iOve  to  thee  and  all  mankind. 

HYMN  343.  c.  m. 

1.  T>  RIGHT  source  of  everlasting  love  ! 
•*J  To  thee  our  souls  we  raise  ; 
And  to  thy  matchless  bounty  rear 
A  monument  of  praise. 
'J.  Thy  mercy  gilds  the  path  of  life 
With  ev'ry  cheering;  ray; 
Kindly  restrains  the  rising  tear, 
Or  wipes  that  tear  away. 
3.  When,  sunk  in  guilt,  our  race  approach'd 
The  borders  of  despair ; 
Thy  grace  through  Jesus'  blood  proclaim 'd 
A  free  salvation  near. 
•i.  What  shall  we  render,  bounteous  Lord, 
For  all  the  grace  we  see  ? 
Alas  !  the  goodness  worms  can  yield 
Extendeth  not  to  thee. 
5.  To  tents  of  wo,  to  beds  of  pain, 
Our  cheerful  feet  repair ; 
And,  with  the  gifts  thy  hand  bestows, 
Relieve  the  mourners  there. 
T).  The  widow's  heart  shall  sing  for  joy  ; 
The  orphan  shall  be  glad  ; 
And  hung'ring*  souls  we'll  gladly  point 
To  Christ  the  living  bread. 
7.  Thus,  passing  through  this  vale  cf  tears. 
Our  useful  light  shall  shine  ; 
R  2 


VJH  SOCIAL  DUTIES. 

And  others  learn  to  glorify 
Our  Father's  name  divine. 


HYMN  844.  l.  m. 

Owhat  stupendous  mercy  shines 
Around  the  majesty  of  heav'n  ! 


:  majes 
Rebels  he  deigns  to  call  his  sons, 

Their  souls  renew'd,  their  sins  forgiv'n. 

2.  Go,  imitate  the  grace  divine, 

The  grace  that  blazes  like  a  sun  ; 
Hold  forth  your  fair,  though  feeble  light, 
Through  all  your  lives  let  mercy  run. 

3.  Upon  your  bounty's  willing  wings, 

Swift  let  the  needed  blessings  fly  ; 

The  hungry  feed,  the  naked  clothe, 

To  pain  and  sickness  help  apply. 

4.  Pity  the  weeping  widow's  wo, 

And  be  her  counsellor  and  stay; 
Adopt  the  fatherless,  and  smooth 
To  useful,  happy  life  his  way. 

5.  Let  age  with  want  and  weakness  bow'd 

Your  mercy  and  compassion  move  ; 
Let  e'en  your  enemies  be  bless'd, 
Their  hatred  recompens'd  with  love. 

HYMN  845    i    «. 

a.  p  REAT  God  !  whilst  I  thy  love  admire, 
^"  Grant  me  to  catch  the  sacred  fire: 
Thus  shall  my  heav'nly  birth  be  known, 
And  as  thy  child  thou  wilt  me  own. 

2.  Father,  I  see  thy  sun  arise, 

To  cheer  thy  friends  and  enemies : 

And  when  from  heav'n  thy  rain  descends. 

Thy  bounty  both  alike  befriends. 
3. Enlarge  my  soul  with  love  like  thine; 

My  mortal  pow'rs  by  grace  refine: 

So  shall  1  feel  another's  wo, 

And  freely  feed  a  hungry  foe. 
4. 1  hope  for  pardon,  through  thy  Son, 

For  all  the  crimes  which  1  have  done : 


SOCIAL  DUTIES.  190 

'[  ben  may  the  grace,  that  pardons  me, 
Constrain  me  to  forgive  like  thee. 

HYMN  846.  s,  m. 

1.  "DEHOLD,  where,  breathing  love, 
-D  Our  dying  Master  stands  ! 

His  weeping  foll'wers,  gath'ring  round. 
Receive  his  last  commands. 

2.  From  that  mild  Saviour's  lips 

What  tender  accents  fell  ! 
The  gentle  precept,  which  he  gave, 
Became  its  author  well. 
S.  Blest  is  the  man,  whose  heart 
Feels  all  another's  pain; 
To  whom  the  supplicating  eye 
Was  never  rais'd  in  vain  ; 
t.  Whose  breast  expands  with  warmth. 
A  stranger's  wo  to  feel, 
And  bleeds  in  pity  o'er  the  wound 
He  wants  the  pow'r  to  heal. 
5.  To  offices  of  love 

His  feet  are  never  slow : 
He  views  through  mercy's  melting  eye 
A  brother  in  a  foe. 
6. Peace  from  his  Father  God, 
My  peace  to  him  I  give  ; 
And,  when  lie  kneels  before  the  throne, 
His  trembling  soul  shall  live. 
7.  To  him  shall  grace  be  shewn  ; 
And  mercy  from  above 
Descend  on  those,  who  thus  fulfil 
The  perfect  law  of  love. 

HYMN  847.  c.  m. 

1.  TAAUGHTERS  of  pity,  tune  the  lay ; 
■*-J  To  mourners  joy  belongs  ; 
While  he,  that  wipes  all  tears  away, 

Accepts  our  thankful  songs. 

2.  No  altars  smoke,  no  off 'rings  bleed, 

No  guiltless  Uvea  expii 


2Q0  SOCIAL  DUTIES. 

To  help  a  brother  in  his  need, 
Is  all  our  rites  require. 

3.  Our  off  ring  is  a  Milling  mind 

To  comfort  the  distrest ; 
In  others'  good  our  own  we  find, 
In  others'  blessing  blest. 

4.  Go  to  the  pillow  of  disease, 

Where  night  gives  no  repose, 
And  on  the  cheek,  where  sickness  preys, 
Bid  health  to  plant  a  rose. 

5.  Go  where  the  friendless  stranger  lies  ; 

To  perish  is  his  doom  : 
Snatch  from  the  grave  his  closing  eyes, 
And  bring  his  blessing  home. 

6.  Thus,  what  ourheav'nly  Father  gare  - 

Shall  we   as  freely  give  : 
Thus  copy  him,  who  liv'd  to  save, 
And  died  that  we  might  live. 

HYMN  848    c.  m. 

Charity  or  Sunday  school. 

1.  T>LEST  is  the  man  whose  heart  expands 
-*-*  At  melting  pity's  call, 

And  the  rich  blessings  of  whose  hands 
Like  heav'nly  manna  fall. 

2.  Be  ours  the  bliss  in  wisdom's  way 

To  guide  untutor'd  youth, 
And  lead  the  mind  that  went  astray. 

To  virtue  and  to  truth. 
5.  Children  our  kind  protection  claim  ; 

And  God  will  well  approve, 
When  infants  learn  to  lisp  his  name, 

And  their  Creator  love. 

4.  Delightful  work,  young  souls  to  win, 

And  turn  the  rising  race 
From  the  deceitful  paths  of  sin, 
To  seek  redeeming  grace  ! 

5.  Almighty  God  !  thy  influence  shed, 

To  aid  this  good  design  : 
The  honours  of  thy  name  be  spread, 
And  all  the  glory  thine. 


SOCIAL  DUTIES.  t>01 

HYMN  849.  i.  m. 

Candour  and  toleration. 
1.    A  LL-seeing  God  !  'tis  thine  to  know 

-£*■  The  springs  whence  wrong  opinions  flow  ; 

To  judge,  from  principles  within, 

When  frailty  errs,  and  when  we  sin. 
C.  "Who  anion;*  men,  great  Lord  of  all  ! 

Thy  servant  to  his  bar  shall  call  ? 

Judge  him,  for  modes  of  faith,  thy  foe. 

And  doom  him  to  the  realms  of  wo  } 
,\  "Who  with  another's  eye  can  read  ? 

Or  worship  by  another's  creed  ? 

Trusting  thy  graae,  we  form  our  own, 

And  bow  to  thy  commands  alone. 
4.  If  wrong,  correct ;  accept,  if  right ; 

While  faithful  we  improve  our  light, 

Condemning  none,  hut  zealous  still 

To  lcaru  and  follow  all  thy  will. 

HYMN  850.  l.  m. 

1.  A  BSURD  and  vain  attempt !  to  bind 
-£*-  With  iron  chains  the  free-born  mind, 
To  force  conviction,  and  reclaim 

The  wand 'ring  by  destructive  flame. 

2.  Bold  arrogance  !  to  snatch  from  heav'n 
*   Dominion  not  to  mortals  giv'n  ; 

O'er  conscience  to  usurp  the  throne, 
Accountable  to  God  alone. 

3.  Jesus  !    thy  gentle  law  of  love 
Does  no  such  cruellies  approve  ; 
Mild  as  thyself,  thy  doctrine  wields 
No  arms  but  what  persuasion  yields. 

4.  By  proofs  divine,  and  reason  strong, 
It  draw  a  the  willing  soul  along  ; 
And  conquests  to  thy  church  acquires 
By  eloquence  which  heav'n  inspires. 

5.  ()  happy,  who  are  thus  compcll'd 
To  the  rich  feast,  by  Jesus  held  ! 
May  we  this  blessing  know,  and  prize 
The  light  which  liberty  supplies. 


802  SOCIAL  DUTIES. 

HYMN  851-  s.  m. 

Christian  unity. 

1.  T  ET  party-names  no  more 

-*-i  The  christian  world  o'erspread : 
Gentile  and  jew,  and  bond,  and  tree, 
Are  one  in  Christ  their  head. 

2.  Among  the  saints  on  earth 

Let  mutual  love  be  found  r 
Heirs  of  the  same  inheritance, 
With  mutual  blessings  crown'd. 

3.  Let  envy,  child  of  hell  ! 

Be  banish'd  far  away : 
Those  should  in  strictest  friendship  dwell, 
Who  the  same  Lord  obey. 

4.  Thus  will  the  church  below 

Resemble  that  above, 
Where  streams  of  pleasure  ever  flow, 
And  ev'ry  heart  is  love. 

HYMJV  352    s.  m. 

1.  T1LEST  be  the  tie,  Ilia*,  binds 
-*-*  Our  hearts  in  christian  love  ! 
The  fellowship  of  kindred  minds 
Is  like  to  that  above. 
Q.  Before  our  Father's  throne, 

We  pour  our  ardent  pray'rs  : 
Our  fears,  our  hopes,  our  aims  are  one, 
Our  comforts  and  our  cares. 
n>.  We  share  our  mutual  woes, 
Our  mutual  burdens  bear; 
And  often  for  each  other  flows 
The  sympathising  tear. 

4.  When  we  asunder  part, 

It  gives  us  inward  pain  : 
But  we  shall  still  be  join'd  in  heart, 
And  hope  to  meet  again. 

5.  From  sorrow,  toil,  and  pain. 

And  sin,  we  shall  be  free  ; 
And  perfect  love  and  friendship  reign 
Through  all  eternity. 


SOCIAL  DUTIES.  903 

HYMIV  858.  c.  m. 

Virtuous  love  of  country. 
l.TjAREXT  of  all,  omnipotent 
■*     In  heav'n,and  eartli  below  ' 
Through  all  creation's  vast  extent, 
Whose  streams  of  goodness  flow  : 

2.  Teach  me  to  know, from  whence  I  rose, 

And  unto  what  design'd  ; 
Nor  selfish  aims  may  I  propose, 
Since  link'd  with  human  kind. 

3.  But  chief  to  hear  my  country's  voice 

May  my  best  thoughts  incline; 
'Tis  reason's  law,  'tis  virtue's  choice, 
'Tis  nature's  call,  and  thine. 
\.  Me  from  fair  freedom's  sacred  cause 
May  nothing  e'er  divide  ; 
Nor  grandeur,  gold,  nor  vain  applause. 
Nor  friendship  false  misguide. 
">.  To  duty,  honour,  virtue  true, 
In  all  my  country's  weal, 
Let  me  my  public  walk  pursue: 
So,  God,  thy  favour  deal ! 

HYMN  854   l.  m. 

Pious  frien  d&hip. 

1.  TTOW  blest  the  sacred  tie,  that  binds, 
■"-  In  union  sweet,  according  minds  ! 
How  swift  the  hoav'nly  course  they  run, 
Whose  hearts,  whose  faith,  whose  hopes  are  one 

2.  To  each,  the  soul  of  each  how  dear  ! 
Whit  watchful  love,  what  holy  fear ! 
Ifow  doth  the  gen'rous  flame  within 
Kefine  from  earth,  and  cleanse  from  sin  ! 

3.  Their  streaming  eyes  together  flow 
For  human  guilt  and  mortal  wo  ; 
Their  ardent  pray'rs  together  rise, 
Like  mingling  flames  in  sacrifice. 

4.  Together  both  they  seek  the  place, 
Where  God  reveals  his  awful  face  j 


204  SOCIAL  DUTIES. 

How  high,  how  strong,  their  raptures  swell, 
There's  none  but  kindred  souls  can  tell. 
5.  Nor  shall  the  glowing  ilame  expire 
'Midst  nature's  drooping,  sick'ning  fire : 
Soon  shall  they  meet  in  realms  above, 
A  heav'n  of  joy,  because  of  love. 

HYMN  855.  l.  m. 

Family  duties. 

1.  TjiATHER  of  men!  thy  care  we  bless, 

•*■     Which  crowns  our  families  with  peace. 
From  thee  they  spring,  and  by  thy  hand 
They  have  been  and  are  still  sustain'd. 

2.  To  God,  most  worthy  to  be  prais'd, 
Be  our  domestic  altars  rais'd : 

Who,  Lord  of  heav'n,  scorns  not  to  dwell 
With  saints  in  their  obscurest  cell. 

3.  To  thee  let  each  united  house, 
Morning  and  night  present  its  vows  ; 
Our  servants  there,  and  rising  race, 
Be  taught  thy  precepts  and  thy  grace. 

4.  O  may  each  future  age  proclaim 
The  honours  of  thy  glorious  name ; 
While  pleas'd  and  thankful  we  remove 
To  join  the  family  above. 

HYMN  856.  c.  u. 

1.  f\F  justice  and  of  truth  I  sing, 
^^  And  pay  to  God  my  vows  : 
With  truth  and  justice,  heav'nly  King  ! 

Teach  me  to  rule  my  house. 

2.  Now  to  my  tent,  O  God  be  near, 

And  make  thy  servant  wise  \ 

And  let  me  suffer  nothing  there, 

That  shall  offend  thy  eyes. 

3.  The  man  who  doth  his  neighbour  wrong, 

Or  dares  oppress  the  poor, 
The  scornful  eye,  the  sland'rous  tongtte, 
Be  distant  from  my  door. 


SOCIAL  DUTIES.  205 

-i.  Still  may  I  seek  the  good  and  just, 
And  still  their  help  enjoy  ; 
Such  be  the  friends  that  I  shall  trust, 
The  servants  I  employ. 

5.  While  sin  in  others  I  reprove, 

Be  ev'ry  virtue  mine ; 
And  let  the  wisdom  from  above 
Through  all  my  conduct  shine. 

6.  Who  shall  the  most  in  love  abound, 

Our  sole  contention  be  : 
So  shall  my  house  be  ever  found 
A  dwelling  dear  to  thee  ! 

HYMN  857.  s.  m. 

1.  T  O,  what  a  pleasing  sight 
-L^  Are  brethren  that  agree  ! 

How  blest  are  all,  whose  hearts  unite 
In  bonds  of  piety  ! 

2.  From  those  celestial  springs, 

Such  streams  of  comfort  flow. 
As  no  increase  of  riches  brings, 
Nor  honours  can  bestow. 

3.  All  in  their  stations  move, 

And  each  performs  his  part, 
In  all  the  cares  of  life  and  love. 
With  sympathising  heart. 

4.  Form'd  for  the  purest  joys, 

By  one  desire  possest, 
One  aim  the  zeal  of  all  employs, 
To  make  each  other  blest. 

5.  No  bliss  can  equal  theirs, 

Where  such  affections  meet ; 
While  praise  devout,  and  mingled  pray  'i 
Make  their  communion  sweet, 
6\  Tis  the  same  pleasure  fills 
The  breast  in  worlds  above ; 
Where  joy  like  morning-dew  distils. 
And  all  the  au-  is  love. 


PUBLIC  WORSHIP 

XXII 
PUBLIC  WORSHIP 


HYMN  858.  c.  m. 

I.  1TOW  did  my  heart  rejoice,  to  hear 
■*•■■   My  friends  devoutly  say: 
"  In  Zion  let  us  all  appear, 
"  And  keep  the  solemn  day." 
'2.  I  love  her  gates,  I  love  the  road  : 
The  church,  adorn 'd  with  grace, 
Stands  like  a  palace  built  for  God, 
To  show  his  milder  face. 

3.  Peace  be  within  this  sacred  place, 

And  joy  a  constant  guest ! 
With  holy  gifts  and  heav'nly  grace 
Be  her  attendants  blest ! 

4.  My  soul  shall  pray  for  Zion  still, 

While  life  or  breath  remains. 
There  my  best  friends,  my  kindred  dwell ; 
There  God,  mf  Saviour,  reigns. 

HYMN  859.  s.  m. 

1.  T  love  thy  Zion,  Lord  ! 

J-  The  house  of  thine  abode  ; 
The  church,  O  blest  Redeemer  !  savV 
With  thy  own  precious  blood. 
2. 1  love  thy  church,  O  God  ! 

Her  walls  before  thee  stand. 
Dear  as  the  apple  of  thine  eye , 
And  graven  on  thy  hand. 

3.  If  e'er  to  bless  thy  sons 

My  voice  or  hands  deny  i 
These  hands  let  useful  skill  forsuW» 
This  voice  in  silence  (lie. 

4.  If  e'er  my  heart  forget 

Her  welfare  or  her  wo : 
Let  ev'ry  joy  this  heart  forsak* 
And  ev'ry  grief  o'erflow. 


PUBLIC  WORSHIP.  207 

J.  For  her  my  tears  shall  fall ; 
For  her  my  pray'rs  ascend  ; 
To  her  my  tares  and  toils  be  giv'n, 
'Till  toils  and  cares  shall  end. 
6.  Beyond  my  highest  joy 

I  prize  her  heav'nly  ways, 
Her  sweet  communion,  solemn  vows. 
Her  hymns  of  love  and  praise. 

'HYMN  860.  c    m. 

1.  A  WAKE,  ye  saints,  to  praise  your  Kinf, 
-£*-  Your  sweetest  passions  raise  ; 

Your  pious  pleasures,  while  you  sing, 
Increasing  with  the  praise. 

2.  Great  is  the  Lord,  and  works  unknown 

Are  his  divine  employ: 
But  still  his  saints  are  near  his  throne, 
His  treasure  and  his  joy. 

3.  O  Zion,  trust  the  living  Cod  ; 

Serve  him  with  faith  and  fear: 
He  makes  thy  courts  his  blest  abode, 
And  claims  thine  honours  here. 

HYMN  861.  i.   m. 

1.  /'"lOME,  let  our  voices  join  to  raise 
^   A  sacred  song  of  solemn  praise. 

God  is  a  sov'reign  King  :  rehearse 
His  honours  in  exalted  verse. 

2.  Come,  let  our  souls  address  the  Lord, 
Who  fram'd  our  natures  with  his  word. 
He  is  the  Shepherd  ;  we  the  sheep 
His  mercy  chose,  his  pastures  keep. 

.">.  Seize  the  kind  promise,  while  it  waits, 
And  march  to  /ion's  heav'nly  gates. 
Believe,  and  take  the  promisM  rest ; 
Obey,  and  be  fur  ever  blest. 

HYMN  862.  l.  m. 

1.  TTAPPY  the  men,  whom  strength  divine 
■*■*-  With  ardent  love  and  zeal  inspires  ! 
Whose  strps  to  thy  blest  way  incline, 
With  willing  hearts  and  warm  desire?. 


£08  PUBLIC  WORSHIP. 

2.  One  day  within  thy  sacred  gate 

Affords  more  real  joy  to  me, 
Than  thousands  in  the  tents  of  state  ; 
The  meanest  place  is  bliss  with  thee. 

3.  God  is  a  sun  !  our  brightest  day 

From  his  reviving  presence  flows. 
God  is  a  shield,  through  all  the  way, 

To  guard  us  from  surrounding  foes, 
•i.  O  Lord  of  hosts,  thou  God  of  grace  ! 

How  blest,  divinely  blest  is  he, 
Who  trusts  thy  love,  and  seeks  thy  face, 

And  fixes  all  his  hopes  on  thee  ! 

HYMN  363    p.  m. 

1.  T  OKI)  of  the  worlds  above, 
-L*  How  pleasant  and  how  fair, 
The  dwellings  of  thy  love, 
Thine  earthly  temples  are  ! 

To  thine  abode 
My  heart  aspires, 
With  warm  desires 
To  see  my  God. 
9.  O  happy  souls  that  pray 

Where  God  appoints  to  hear  ! 
O  happy  men  that  pay 
Tbeir  constant  service  there  ! 

They  praise  thee  still ; 
And  happy  they, 
Who  love  the  way 
To  Z ion's  hill. 
3.  They  go  from  strength  to  strength, 
Through  this  dark  vale  of  tears; 
"Till  each  arrives  at  length, 
Till  each  in  heav'n  appears: 

O  glorious  seat. 
When  God  our  King 
Shall  thither  bring 
Our  willing  feet ! 

HYMN  364    i .  m. 

LHE  AT  Father  of  mankind  ! 
^'e  bless  that  wondrous  gi-arr. 


l.pUFJ 
*J   We 


PUBLIC  WORSHIP.  200 

"Which  could  for  Gentiles  find 
Within  thy  courts  a  place. 

How  kind  the  care 
Our  God  displays, 
For  us  to  raise 

A  house  of  pray 'r! 

2.  To  thee  ourseives  we  join, 

And  love  thy  sacred  name  ; 
No  more  our  own,  but  thine, 
We  triumph  in  thy  claim. 

Our  Father-king, 
Thy  cov'nant-grace 
Our  souls  embrace, 
Thy  titles  sing. 

3.  .May  all  the  nations  throng 

To  worship  in  thy  house  ; 
And  thou  attend  the  song, 
And  smile  upon  their  vows, 

Indulgent  still, 
'Till  earth  conspire 
To  join  the  choir 

On  Zion's  hill. 

HYMN  §65.  c.  m. 

1.  r¥,,HE  Lord  in  Zion  plac'd  his  name, 
J-    His  ark  was  settled  there ; 
To  Zion  the  whole  nation  came 
To  worship  thrice  a  year. 
C.  But  we  have  no  such  lengths  to  go, 
Nor  wander  far  abroad  ; 
Where'er  thy  saints  assemble  now, 
There  is  a  house  for  God. 
3. Here,  mighty  God  !  accept  our  vows; 
Here  let  thy  praise  be  spread. 
Bless  the  provisions  of  thy  house, 
And  fill  thy  poor  with  bread. 
4.  Here  let  the  son  of  David  reign, 
Let  God's  anointed  shine  ; 
Justice  and  truth  his  court  maintain, 
With  love  and  pow'r  divine. 
S  2 


210  PUBLIC  WORSHIP. 

HYMN  366.  l.  m. 

1.  T  OHD  !  'tis  a  pleasant  tiling,  to  stand 
J-*  In  gardens  planted  by  thy  hand. 
Let  me  within  thy  courts  be  seen, 
Like  a  young  cedar,  fresh  and  green. 

2.  There  grow  thy  saints  in  faith  and  love, 
Blest  with  thine  influ'nee  from  above: 
Not  Lebanon,  with  all  its  trees. 
Yields  such  a  comely  sight  as  these. 

3.  The  plants  of  grace  shall  ever  live  ; 
Nature  decays,  but  grace  must  thrive  ; 
Time,  that  doth  all  things  else  impair, 
Shall  make  them  flourish  strong  and  fair. 

\.  Laden  with  fruits  of  age,  they  show, 
The  Lord  is  holy,  just,  and  true. 
None,  that  attend  his  courts  shall  find 
A  God  unfaithful  or  unkind. 

HYMN  367.  c.  m. 

1.  \\^HEREWITH  shall  I  approach  the  Lord, 
^*    And  bow  before  his  throne  ? 
Oh!  how  procure  his  kind  regard, 
And  for  my  guilt  atone  ; 
■2.  Shall  altars  flame,  and  victims  bleed, 
And  spicy  fumes  ascend  ? 
"Will  these  my  earnest  wish  succeed, 
And  make  my  God  my  friend  } 
3.  O  no,  my  soul !  'twere  fruitless  all ; 
Such  offerings  are  vain  : 
No  fatlings  from  the  field  or  stall 
His  favour  can  obtain. 
\.  To  men  their  rights  I  must  allow, 
And  proofs  of  kindness  give; 
To  God  with  humble  rev'rence  bow, 
And  to  his  glory  live. 
5.  Hands  that  are  clean,  and  hearts  sincere, 
He  never  will  despise  ; 
And  cheerful  duty  he'll  prefer 
To  costly  sacrifice. 


PUBLIC  WORSHIP.  211 

HYMN  868    s.  m. 

i.  TTSTlTH  joy  we  lift  our  e\es 

»  ▼    To  those  bright  realms  above, 
That  glorious  temple  in  the  skies, 
Where  dwells  eternal  love. 

2.  Thee  we  adore,  O  Lord  ! 

And  filial  duty  pay. 
Thy  service,  unconstrain'd  and  free, 
Conducts  to  endless  day. 

3.  While  in  thy  house  we  kneel 

With  trust  and  holy  fear  ; 
Thy  mercy  and  thy  truth  reveal, 
And  lend  a  gracious  ear. 

4.  O  teach  our  hearts  to  pray, 

And  tune  our  lips  to  sing  ! 
Xor  from  thy  presence  cast  away 
The  sacrifice  we  bring. 

HYMN  869.  l.  m. 

1.  A  WrAY  from  ev'ry  mortal  care, 

-**-  Away  from  earth,  our  soul's  retreat;. 
We  leave  this  worthless  world  afar, 
And  wait  and  worship  near  thy  seat. 

2.  Lord,  in  the  temple  of  thy  grace. 

We  bow  before  thee  and  adore ; 
We  view  the  glories  of  thy  face, 
And  learn  the  wonders  of  thy  pow'r. 

3.  Whilst  here  our  various  wants  we  mourn. 

United  pray'rs  ascend  on  high  ; 
And  faith  expects  a  sure  return 
Of  blessings  in  variety. 

4.  Father  !  my  soul  would  here  abide ; 

Or,  if  my  feet  must  hence  depart ; 
Still  keep  me,  Father,  near  thy  side, 
Still  keep  thy  dwelling  in  my  heart. 

HYMN  370    cm. 

1.  "J7  ARLY,  my  God,  without  delay, 
•*-*  I  haste  to  seek  thy  face  ; 
My  thirsty  spirit  faints  away, 
W  ithout  thy  cheering  grace. 


212  PUBLIC  WORSHIP. 

2.  So  pilgrims  on  the  searching  sand, 

Beneath  a  burning  sky, 
Long  for  a  cooling  stream  at  hand, 
And  they  must  drink  or  die. 

3.  I've  seen  thy  glory  and  thy  pow'r 

Through  all  thy  temple  shine: 
My  God,  repeat  that  heav'nly  hour. 
That  vision  so  divine. 

4.  Not  all  the  blessings  of  a  feast 

Can  please  my  soul  so  well, 

As  when  thy  richer  grace  1  taste, 

And  in  thy  presence  dwell. 

5.  Not  life  itself,  with  all  her  joys, 

Can  my  best  passions  move, 
Or  raise  so  higli  my  cheerful  voice, 
As  thy  forgiving  love. 

HYMN  871    p.m. 

1.  T>RAISE  to  God,  the  great  Creator, 
-*■    Bounteous  source  of  all  our  joy! 
He  whose  hand  upholds  all  nature, 

He  whose  nod  can  all  destroy. 
Saints,  with  pious  zeal  attending, 

Now  the  grateful  tribute  raise  ; 
Solemn  songs  to  heav'n  ascending, 

Join  the  universal  praise. 

2.  Round  his  awful  fool  stool  kneeling, 

Lowly  bend  with  contrite  souls  ; 
Here,  his  milder  grace  revealing. 

Here  his  wrath  no  thunder  rolls. 
Lo,  the  sacred  page  before  us 

Hears  the  covenant  of  his  love  ; 
Full  of  mercy  to  restore  us, 

.Mercy  beaming  from  above. 

3.  Ev'ry  secret  fault  confessing, 

Deed  unrighteous,  thought  of  sin, 
Seize,  O  seize  the  proffered  blessing, 
Grace  from  God  and  peace  within. 

Heart  and  voice  with  rapture  swelling. 

Still  the  song  of  glory  raise  ; 
On  the  theme  immortal  dwelling, 

Join  the  universal  praise. 


PUBLIC  WORSHIP.  2!  3 

HYMN  872    l.  m. 

The  Lord's  day. 

1.  A  NOTHER  six  days'  work  is  done, 
-£*■  Another  sabbath  is  begun  : 
Return,  my  soul,  enjoy  thy  rest, 
Improve  the  day  thy  God  has  blest. 

2.  Come,  bless  the  Lord,  whose  love  assigns 
So  sweet  a  rest  to  wearied  minds  ; 
Provides  an  antepast  of  heav'n, 

And  gives  this  day  the  food  of  sev'n. 

3.  O  that  our  thoughts  and  thanks  may  rise, 
As  grateful  incense  to  the  skies ; 

And  draw  from  heav'n  that  sweet  repose, 
Which  none,  but  he  who  feels  it,  knows. 

4.  With  joy,  great  God  !  thy  works  we  view 
In  various  scenes  both  old  and  new; 
With  praise  we  think  on  mercies  past, 
With  hope  we  future  pleasures  taste. 

5.  In  holy  duties  let  the  day, 
In  holy  pleasures  pass  away. 

How  sweet,  a  sabbath  thus  to  spend. 
In  hope  of  one  that  ne'er  shall  end. 

HYMN  878.  i.    i. 

1.  T  ORD  of  the  sabbath  !  hear  our  vows 
-*-*  On  this  thy  day,  in  this  thy  house  ; 
And  own,  as  grateful  sacrifice, 

The  songs  which  from  thy  churches  rise. 

2.  Thine  earthly  sabbaths,  Lord  !  we  love  ; 
But  there's  a  nobler  rest  above. 

Thy  servants  to  that  rest  aspire 
With  ardent  hope  and  strong  desire. 

3.  There  languor  shall  no  more  oppress  ; 
The  heart  shall  feel  no  more  distress ; 
No  groans  shall  mingle  with  the  songs, 
That  dwell  upon  immortal  tongues. 

4.  No  gloomy  cares  shall  there  annoy, 
No  conscious  guilt  disturb  our  joy; 
But  ev'ry  doubt  and  fear  shall  cease, 
And  perfect  love  give  perfect  peace. 


FRE 


211  PUBLIC  WORSHIP. 

5.  When  shall  that  glorious  day  begin, 
Beyond  the  reach  of  death  or  sin : 
Whose  sun  shall  never  more  decline, 
But  with  unfading  lustre  shine  ! 

HYMN  874    c.  m. 

FREQUENT  the  day  of  God  returns, 
To  shed  its  quick'ning  beams; 
And  yet  how  slow  devotion  burns  ; 
How  languid  are  its  flames  ! 

2.  Accept  our  faint  attempts  to  love  ; 
Our  frailties.  Lord  !  forgive. 

We  would  be  like  thy  saints  above, 
And  praise  thee  while  we  live. 

3.  Increase,  O  Lord  !  our  faith  and  hope, 
And  fit  us  to  ascend 

Where  the  assembly  ne'er  breaks  up, 
The  sabbath  ne'er  shall  end  ; 

4.  Where  we  shall  breathe  inheav'nly  air. 
With  heav'nly  lustre  shine  ; 

Before  the  throne  of  God  appear, 
And  feast  on  love  divine. 

HYMN  875.  l.  m. 

i.  QWEET  is  the  work,  my  God,  my  King 
■^   To  praise  thy  name,  give  thanks,  and  sing  ; 
To  show  thy  love  by  morning  light, 
And  talk  of  all  thy  truth  at  night 

2.  Sweet  is  the  day  of  sacred  ir:t  : 
No  mortal  care  shall  fill  my  breast; 
My  heart  shall  triumph  in  the  Lord, 
Alio  bless  his  works,  and  bless  his  word. 

:>.  And  1  shall  share  a  glorious  part, 

When  grace  hath  well  refin'd  my  heart. 
When  doubts  and  fears  no  more  remain. 
To  break  my  inward  peace  again. 

i.  And  shall  1  see,  and  lie:'!1,  and  know. 
Ail  1  desir'd  or  wish'd  below  ; 
And  e\'r\  powY  find  Bweet  emplov 

In  the  eternal  world  of  joy. 


I     J 


PUBLIC  WORSHIP.  215 

HYMN  876    c.  m. 

1.  HpHIS  is  the  clay  the  Lord  hath  made ; 

■*•    He  calls  the  hours  his  own. 
Let  heav'n  rejoice,  let  earth  be  glad, 
And  praise  surround  the  throne. 

2.  To-day  arose  our  glorious  head, 

And  death's  dread  empire  fell, 
To-day  the  saints  his  triumph  spread, 
And  all  its  wonders  tell. 
.3.  Hosannah  !  the  anointed  King 
Ascends  his  destin'd  throne  : 
To  God  your  grateful  homage  bring, 
And  his  Messiah  own. 
i.  Blest  be  the  Lord,  who  came  to  men 
With  messages  of  grace; 
Who  came  in  God  his  Father's  name, 
To  save  our  j&inful  race. 
j.  Hosannah  in  the  highest  strains 
The  church  on  earth  can  raise  ! 
The  highest  heav'n s  in  which  he  reigns. 
Shall  give  him  nobler  praise. 

HYMN  377    s.  m. 

1 .  A  G  AIX  the  Lord  of  light 
-£*•  Awakes  the  kindling  rs.y  : 
Unseals  the  eyelids  of  the  morn. 

And  pours  increasing  day. 

2.  O  what  a  night  was  that 

Which  wrapp'd  mankind  in  gloom 
O  what  a  sun,  which  broke  this  day 

Triumphant  from  the  tomb  ! 
a.  This  day  be  homage  paid, 

And  loud  hosannahs  sung  ; 
Let  gladness  dwell  in  ev'ry  heart. 

And  praise  on  ev'ry  tongue. 
*,  Ten  thousand  lips  shall  join 

To  hail  this  welcome  morn, 
Which  scatters  blessings  from  its  wings 

T  >  nations  vti  unborn. 


216  PUBLIC  WORSHIP. 

HYMN  §78-  cm. 

1.  TTAIL,  happy  morn  !  whose  early  raj 
-■-■*•  Beheld  the  Saviour  rise. 
Welcome  again,  auspicious  day  ! 

To  our  reviving  eyes. 

2.  On  this  blest  morn,  birth-day  of  hope  ! 

Let  not  one  soul  be  sad. 
This  is  the  day  the  Lord  hath  made, 
And  bids  his  saints  be  glad. 

3.  Come,  and  the  wonders  of  the  day 

In  notes  harmonious  sing ; 
Tell  to  the  world  the  conquests  gain'd 
By  your  victorious  King. 

4.  O  happy  souls,  that  feel  the  pow'r 

Of  his  attractive  love  ! 
With  him  they  die,  with  him  they  live., 
And  seek  the  things  above. 

HYMN  879    p.  m. 

Close  of  the  Sei*vice. 

1.  T  ORD,  dismiss  us  with  thy  blessing ; 
-*-*  Fill  our  hearts  with  joy  and  peace  ! 
Let  us  each,  thy  love  possessing, 

Triumph  in  redeeming  grace. 
O  refresh  us, 
Traveling  through  this  wilderness, 

2.  Thanks  we  give  and  adoration 

For  thy  gospel's  joyful  sound. 
May  the  fruits  of  thy  salvation 
In  our  hearts  and  lives  abound  ! 
May  thy  presence 
With  us  evermore  be  found  ! 

HYMN  380    p.  m. 

1.  HHHANKS  for  mercies  past  receive; 

J-    Pardon  of  our  sins  renew  ; 
Teach  us  henceforth  how  to  live, 
With  eternity  in  view. 

2.  Bless  thy  word  to  old  and  young ; 

Grant  us,  Lord  !  thy  peace  and  love; 
And,  when  life's  short  course  is  run. 
Take  us  to  thy  house  above. 


BAPTISM. 
HYMN  881.  l.  m. 

The  Christian  Farewell. 
' .  r  jPHY  presence,  everlasting  God  ! 

-*-    Wide  through  all  nature  spreads  abroad  : 
Thy  watchful  eyes  which  never  sleep, 
In  ev'ry  place  thy  children  keep. 

2.  While  near  each  other  we  remain, 
Thou  dost  our  lives  and  pow'rs  sustain  ; 
When  sep'rate,  we  rejoice  to  share 
Thy  counsels  and  thy  gracious  care. 

3.  To  thee  we  now  commit  our  ways, 
And  still  implore  thy  heav'nly  grace. 
Still  cause  thy  face  on  us  to  shine, 
And  guard  and  guide  us  still  as  thine. 

i.  Give  us  in  thy  beloved  house, 
Again  to  pay  our  grateful  vows ; 
Or,  if  that  joy  no  more  be  kno^n, 
Give  us  to  meet  around  thy  throne. 

XXIII. 
BAPTISM. 

HYMN  882.  c.  u. 

Of  Adults. 

l.«  pUOCLAIM,"  said  Christ,  "  God's  won- 
A  drous  grace 

To  all  the  sons  of  men: 
He  who  believes  and  is  baptis'd, 
Salvation  shall  obtain." 
t  Let  plenteous  grace  descend  on  those, 
Who,  hoping  in  his  word, 
This  day  have  publicly  declar'd, 

That  Jesus  is  their  Lord. 
.  With  cheerful  feet  may  they  go  on, 
And  run  the  christian  race  ; 
\nd,  in  the  troubles  of  the  way, 
1    nd  Mil-sufficient  graco. 
T 


^18  BAPTISM. 

4.  And  when  the  awful  message  comes, 
To  call  their  souls  away  ; 
.May  they  be  found  prepar'd  to  live 
In  realms  of  endless  day. 

HYMN  888."  s.  m. 

Baptism  of  Children. 
1 .  T  ORD  !  what  our  ears  have  heard, 
■*-*  Our  eyes  delighted  trace, 
Thy  love  in  long  succession  shown 
To  ev'ry  virtuous  race. 
'2.  Our  children  thou  dost  claim, 
And  mark  them  out  for  thine  : 
Ten  thousand  blessings  to  thy  name 
For  goodness  so  divine  ! 

3.  Thy  cov'nant  may  they  keep, 

And  bless  the  happy  bands, 
Which  closer  still  engage  their  hearts 
To  honour  thy  commands. 

4.  How  great  thy  mercies,  Lord ! 

How  plenteous  is  thy  grace, 
Which  m  the  promise  of  thy  lore 
Includes  our  rising  race  ! 

5.  Our  offspring,  still  thy  care, 

Shall  own  their  Fathers'  God, 

To  latest  times  thy  blessings  share, 

And  sound  thy  praise  abroad. 

HYMN  884    c.  m. 

I.  OEE  Israel's  gentle  Shepherd  stand 
^  With  all-engaging  charms  ! 
Hark  !  how  he  calls  the  tender  lambs, 
And  takes  them  in  his  arms  ! 

I.  "  Permit  them  to  approach,  (he  cries) 
Nor  scorn  their  humble  name  ; 
It  was  to  save  such  souls  as  these, 
With  pow'r  and  love  I  came." 
>.  We  bring  them,  Lord?  with  grateful  hearts. 
And  yield  them  up  to  thee  ; 
Rejoic'd  that  we  ourselves  are  tliine, 
Thine  let  our  offspring  be  ! 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  21  <> 

4.  Thus  Ly  ilia's  house  was  sanctified, 

When  she  receiv'd  the  word; 
Thus  the  believing  jailor  gave 
1 1  is  family  to  the  Lord. 

5.  Ye  little  Hock,  with  pleasure  hear ; 

Ye  children  seek  his  face  ; 
And  fly  with  transport  to  receive 
The  gospel  of  his  grace. 
C.  If  orphans  they  are  left  behind, 
Thy  care,  O  God  !  we  trust  ; 
And  let  thy  promise  cheer  our  lit  ;> 
If  weeping  o'er  their  dust. 

HYMN  885    c.  m. 

Practical  improvement  ofbaptu/n. 
1.    \  TTEND,  ye  children  of  your  God. 
-^*»  Ye  heirs  of  glory,  hear  ; 
Let  accents  so  diviue  as  these 
Engage  th'  attentive  ear: — » 
;2.  Raptis'd  into  your  Saviour's  death, 
Your  souls  to  sin  must  die  ; 
With  Christ  your  Lord  ye  live  anew, 
With  Christ  ascend  on  high. 
.5.  Rise  from  these  earthly  trifles,  rise, 
On  wings  of  faith  and  love  ; 
In  heav'n  your  choicest  treasure  lies. 
And  be  your  hearts  above. 


XXIV. 
THK  LORD  S  SUPPER 

HYMN  886    o.  *. 

1 .  /^OME,  let  us  join  our  souls  to  God 
^  In  everlasting  bands  ; 
And  seize  the  blessings  he  bestows. 
With  eager  hearts  and  hands. 
\  Come,  let  us  seal,  without  debt}  . 
The  cov'nant  of  his  grace  ; 


220  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

Nor  shall  the  years  of  distant  lite 

Its  memory  efface. 

3.  Thus  may  our  rising  offspring  haste 

To  seek  their  Fathers'  God; 

Nor  e'er  forsake  the  happy  path 

Their  youthful  feet  have  trod. 

HYMN  887.  l.  m. 

l.'nnWAS  on  that  dreadful,  doleful  night, 
-*-    When  the  whole  pow'r  of  darkness  rose 
Against  the  Son  of  God's  delight, 
And  friends  hetray'd  him  to  his  foes  ; 

l2.  Before  the  mournful  scene  hegan, 

He  took  the  bread,  and  bless'd,  and  brake . 
What  love  through  all  his  actions  ran  ! 
What  wondrous  words  of  grace  he  spake  ! 
3. "  This  is  ray  body  broke  for  sin  ; 
"  Receive  and  eat  the  living  food." 
Then  took  the  cup  and  bless'd  the  wine : 
"  'Tis  the  new  cov'nant  in  my  blood." 
\. "  Do  this  (he  cried)  'till  time  shall  end, 
'*  In  mem'ry  of  your  dying  friend: 
;'  Meet  at  my  table,  and  record 
"  The  love  of  your  departed  Lord." 

HYMN  888.  l.  m. 

1.  "  T^  AT,  drink,  in  mem'ry  of  your  friend  " 

*-*  Such  was  our  Master's  last  request ; 
Who  all  the  pangs  of  death  endur'd, 
That  we  might  live  for  ever  blest. 

2.  Yes,  we'll  record  thy  matchless  grace, 

Thou  dearest,  tend'rest,  best  of  friends  ! 
Thy  dying  love  the  noblest  praise 
Of  long  eternity  transcends. 

3.  'Tis  pleasure  more  than  earth  can  give, 

Thy  goodness  through  these  veils  to  see, 
Thy  table  food  celestial  yields ; 

And  happy  they  who  bit  with  thee. 
t.  But  oh  !  what  vast  transporting  joys 

Shall  fill  our  breasts,  our  tongues  inspire, 
When  join \1  with  the  celestial  train, 

Our  grateful  souls  thy  love  admire  ! 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  221 

HYMN  889    l.  m. 

I.  rpHIS  feast  was  Jesus'  hjgh  behest, 
■*-    This  cup  of  thanks  his  last  request. 

Ye,  who  can  feel  Ins  worth,  attend: 

Eat,  drink,  in  mem'ry  of  your  friend. 
l2.  Around  the  patriot's  bust  ye  throng; 

Him  ye  exalt  in  swelling  song; 

For  him  the  wreath  of  glory  bind, 

Who  freed  from  vassalage  his  kind. 

3.  And  shall  not  he  your  praises  reap, 
Who  rescues  from  the  iron  sleep  f 
The  great  Deliverer,  whose  breath 
Unbinds  the  captives  ev'n  of  death  ? 

4.  Shall  he,  who  sinful  men  to  save, 
Became  a  tenant  of  the  grave, 
Unthank'd,  uncelebrated,  rise, 
Pass  unremember'd  to  the  skies! 

5.  Christians  !  unite  with  loud  acclaim, 
To  hymn  the  Saviour's  welcome  name. 
On  earth  extol  his  wondrous  love, 
Repeat  Ilia  praise  in  worlds  above. 

HYMN  890.  s.  m. 

J.  TESUS  invites  his  saints 
'*    To  meet  around  his  board  : 
Here  those  he  died  to  save  may  hold 
Communion  with  their  Lord. 
J.  Our  heav'nly  Father  calls 

Christ  and  his  members  one: 
We  are  the  children  of  his  love, 
And  he  the  first-born  Son. 
i.  We  are  but  sev'ral  parts 

Of  the  same  broken  bread  : 
One  body  with  its  sev'ral  limbs. 
But  Jesus  is  the  head. 
».  Let  all  our  pow'rs  be  join'd, 
His  glorious  name  to  raise  : 
Pleasure  and  love  fill  ev'ry  mind, 
\nd  ev'ry  voice  be  pr  I 
ry  a 


2?2  THE  LORD'S  SUPPEK. 

HYMN  891.  c.  m. 

l.XTE  foil' we rs  of  the  Prince  of  peace, 
-*-    Who  round  his  table  draw  ! 
Remember  what  his  spirit  was, 
What  his  peculiar  law. 

2.  The  love,  which  all  his  bosom  iill'd, 

Did  all  liis  actions  guide: 
Inspir'd  by  love,  he  liv'd  and  taught; 
Inspir'd  by  love,  he  died. 

3.  And  do  you  love  him  ?  do  you  feel 

Your  warm  affections  move  ? 
This  is  the  proof  which  he  demands, 

That  you  each  other  love, 
i.  Let  each  the  sacred  law  fulfil ; 

Like  his  be  ev'ry  mind  ; 
Be  ev'ry  temper  form'd  by  love, 

And  ev'ry  action  kind. 
5.  Let  none,  who  call  themselves  his  friends, 

Disgrace  the  honour'd  name ; 
Hut  by  a  near  resemblance  prove 

The  title  which  they  claim. 

HYMN  392-  l.  m. 

1.  TESUS  is  gone  above  the  skies. 

*J    Where  our  weak  senses  reach  him  not, 
And  carnal  objects  court  our  eyes, 

To  thrust  our  Saviour  from  our  thought 
1.  He  knows,  what  wand'ring  hearts  we  have 
Apt  to  forget  his  lovely  face  ; 
And,  to  refresh  our  minds,  he  gave 
These  kind  memorials  of  his  grace. 
.3.  Let  sinful  sweets  be  all  forgot, 

And  earth  grow  less  in  our  esteem  j 
Christ  and  his  love  fill  ev'ry  thought, 
And  faith  and  hope  be  fix'd  on  him. 
j.  While  he  is  absent  from  our  sight, 
'Tis  to  prepare  our  souls  a  place  ; 
That  we  may  dwell  in  heav'nly  light, 
And  live  lor  ever  near  his  face. 


THE  LOKD'S  SUPPEli.  M3 

HYMN  898.  i..  m. 

1.  TTOW  rich  are  thy  provisions,  Lord, 
•"■  Thy  table  furnish  M  from  above  ! 
The  fruits  of  life  o'erspread  the  board  ; 

The  cup  o'erflows  with  heav'nly  love. 

2.  Thine  ancient  family,  the  Jews, 

Were  first  invited  to  the  feast; 
We  humbly  take  what  they  refuse, 

And  Gentiles  thy  salvation  taste. 
5.  Let  the  vain  world  pronounce  its  shann  , 

And  fling  their  scandals  on  thy  cause  : 
We  come  to  boast  our  Saviour's  name, 

And  make  our  triumphs  in  his  cross. 
\.  With  joy  we  tell  the  scoffing  age  : 

He,  that  was  dead,  hath  left  the  tomb. 
He  lives  above  their  utmost  rage, 

And  we  are  waiting  'till  he  come. 

HYMN  394    i.  m. 

1.  VVTE  praise  the  Lord  for  heav'nly  bread, 
*  »     With  which  his  favour'd  sons  are  fed  ; 

"We  praise  thee  for  that  heav'nly  feast, 

Which  Jesus  with  delight  could  taste. 
i.  He,  v\hile  he  sojourn'd  here  below, 

J  lad  meat  which  strangers  could  not  know. 

That  meat  he  to  his  people  gives  ; 

And  he,  that  tastes  the  banquet,  lives. 

3.  So  let  us  live,  sustain'd  by  grace, 
Kegal'd  with  fruits  of  righteousness. 
Enter  our  hearts,  all-gracious  Lord  ! 
And  sup  with  us,  and  deck  thy  board. 

1.  Devotion,  faith,  and  zealous  love, 
And  hope  that  bears  the  soul  above  : 
Be  these  our  dainties,  :till  we  rise, 
And  taste  the  joys  of  paradise 

HYMN  395    i    n. 

I.  "\TY  God  !  and  is  thy  table  spread  ? 

-**-■-  And  does  thy  cup  with  love  o'erflow  .; 
Thither  be  all  thy  children  led, 
And  let  them  all  iti,  sweetness  know. 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 
L2.  O  let  thy  table  honour'd  be, 

And  furnish 'd  well  with  joyful  guests; 
And  may  each  soul  salvation  see, 
That  here  its  sacred  pledges  tastes. 

3.  Let  crowds  approach,  with  hearts  prepar'd  ; 

With  warm  desire  let  all  attend  ; 
Nor,  when  we  leave  our  Father's  board, 
The  pleasure  or  the  profit  end. 

4.  Revive  thy  dying  churches,  Lord  ! 

And  bid  our  drooping  graces  live; 
And  more  that  energy  afford, 

A  Saviour's  death  alone  can  give. 

5.  Nor  let  thy  spreading  gospel  rest, 

'Till  through  the  world  thy  truth  has  run, 
'Till  with  this  bread  all  men  be  blest 
Who  see  the  light  or  feel  the  sun  ! 

HYMN  896.  o.  u. 

I."  rFMIE  promise  of  my  Father's  love 
-*■    "  Shall  stand  for  ever  good:" 
He  said,  and  gave  his  soul  to  death, 
And  seal'd  the  grace  with  blood. 
2.  To  this  dear  cov'nant  of  thy  word 
I  set  my  worthless  name  ; 
I  seal  th'  engagement  to  my  Lord, 
And  make  my  humble  claim. 
.5.  The  light,  and  strength,  and  pard'ning  grace^ 
And  glory,  shall  be  mine  ; 
My  life  and  soul,  my  heart  and  flesh, 
And  all  my  pow'rs  are  thine. 
4.  Sweet  is  the  mem'ry  of  his  name, 
Who  blest  us  in  his  will, 
And  to  his  testament  of  lo\c 
Made  his  own  life  the  seal. 

HYMN  397    cm. 

1.  "DITY  the  nations,  O  our  God ! 

-*-    Constrain  the  earth  to  come. 
Send  thy  victorious  word  abroad, 
And  bring  the  strangers  home. 


MORNING.  285 

■1.  \\  e  long  to  see  thy  churches  full, 
That  all  thy  faithful  race 
May,  with  one  voice  and  heart  and  soul, 
Sing  thy  redeeming  grace. 


XXV. 

PARTICULAR  OCCASIONS  AND 

CIRCUMSTANCES. 

1   MORNING. 
HYMN  398.  l.  m. 

1.  "\  TV  God,  how  endless  is  thy  love  ! 
^J-  Thy  gilts  arc  ev'ry  ev'ning  new  ; 
And  morning  mercies  from  above 

Gently  descend  like  early  dew. 
iJ.  Thou  spread'st  the  curtains  of  the  night, 
Great  Guardian  of  my  sleeping  hoars  ! 
Thy  sovereign  word  restores  the  light, 
And  quickens  all  my  drowsy  pow'rs. 
,  I  \  ield  myself  to  thy  command  ; 

To  thee  devote  my  nights  and  days. 
PerpetoaJ  blessings  from  thy  hand 
Demand  perpetual  hymns  of  praise. 

HYMN  899    cm. 

l.TJOSANNAH  with  a  cheerful  sound 

-"  To  God's  upholding  hand  ! 
Ten  thousand  snares  our  path  surround, 
And  yet  secure  we  stand. 

2.  How  wondrous  is  that  mighty  pow'r, 

Which  form'd  us  with  a  word  ! 
And  ev'ry  day,  and  ev'ry  hour, 

We  lean  upon  the  Lord. 
The  ev'ning  rests  our  weary  head, 

And  mercy  guards  the  room. 
We  wake,  and  we  admire  the  bed 

That  was  not  made  our  tomb. 


MOBNING. 

-i.  The  rising  morn  cannot  assure, 
That  we  shall  end  the  day  j 
For  death  stands  ready  at  the  door, 
To  take  our  lives  away. 
.).  (iod  is  our  sun,  whose  daily  light 
Our  joy  and  safety  brings. 
Our  feeble  frame  lies  sate  at  night 
Beneath  his  shady  wings. 

HYMN  400.  c.  m. 

1.  T  Ottl)  of  my  life  !  O  may  thy  praise 
-L*  Employ  my  noblest  pow'rs, 
Whose  goodness  lengthens  out  my  days, 
And  tills  the  circling  hours; 
J.  Preserv'd  by  thy  almighty  arm, 
I  pass  the  shades  of  night, 
Serene  and  safe  from  ev'ry  harm, 
And  see  returning  light. 

3.  While  many  spent  the  night  in  sighs, 

And  restless  pains  anil  woes, 
In  gentle  sleep  [  clos'd  my  eyes 
And  undisturb'd  repose. 

4.  When  sleep,  death's  semblance,  o'er  me  spread, 

And  I  unconscious  lay  ; 
Thy  watchful  care  was  round  my  bed, 
To  guard  my  feeble  clay. 
.S.  O  let  the  same  almighty  care 
My  waking  hours  attend  ; 
From  r\Yy  trespass,  e\Yv  snare, 
My  heedless  steps  detlud. 
6.  Smile  on  my  minutes  as  they  roll, 
And  guide  my  future  days; 
And  let  thy  goodness  fill  my  soul 
With  gratitude  and  praise. 

HYMN  401.  i..  m. 

I.  "FN  sleep's  serene  oblivion  laid, 
J     I  safely  passM  the  silent  night  : 
Again  I  see  the  breaking  shade, 
1  drink  again  the  morning  lighl 


MORNING 

8,  New-born,  I  bless  the  waking  hour; 
Once  more,  with  awe,  rejoice  to  be  : 
My  conscious  soul  resumes  her  pow'r, 
And  springs,  my  guardian  God  !  to  thee. 
;.  ()  guide  me  through  the  various  m*ze. 
My  doubtful  feet  are  doora'd  to  tread  ; 
And  spread  thy  shield's  protecting  blaze, 
When-  dangers  press  around  my  head. 

4.  A  deeper  shade  shall  soon  impend  : 

A  deeper  sleep  my  eyes  oppress : 

Yet  then  thy  strength  shall  still  defend, 

Thy  goodness  still  delight  to  bless. 

5.  That  deeper  shade  shall  break  away  : 

That  deeper  sleep  shall  leave  my  eyes  : 
Thy  light  shall  give  eternal  day  ; 
Thy  love,  the  raptures  of  the  skies. 

HYMN  402   t.  M. 

1.  V  WAKE,  my  soul  !  and  with  the  sun 
■^*-  Thy  daily  stage  of  duty  run  ; 
Shake  off  dull  sloth,  and  joyful  rise, 
To  pay  thy  morning  sacrifice. 

2.  By  influ'nce  of  the  light  divine, 
Let  thy  own  light  to  others  shine  ; 
Reflect  all  heav'ns  propitious  i 

In  ardent  love  and  cheerful  praise. 

3.  Lord  !  I  my  vov.s  to  thee  renew  : 
Disperse  my  sins  as  morning  i\c\v  ; 
Guard  my  first,  springs  of  thought  and  wiU. 
And  with  thyself  my  spirit  fill. 

4.  Direct,  control,  suggest,  this  day, 
All  I  design  to  do  or  say  ; 

That  all  my  pow'rs,  with  all  their  mighr. 
In  thy  sole  glory  may  unite. 

5.  All  praise  to  thee,  who  safe  hast  kept, 
And  hast  refresh'd  me,  while  I  slept  ! 
Grant,  Lord,  when  I  from  death  shall  wak 
I  may  of  endless  life  partake. 

HYMN  408    c.  M. 

1.  'TM)  thee  let  my  first  offVinga  i 
-■*    Whose  sun  creates  mi  ■' 


228  EVENING. 

Swift  as  his  gladd'niug  influence  flies. 
And  spotless  as  his  ray. 

2.  This  day  thy  fav'ring  hand  be  nigh; 

So  oft  vouchsafed  before  ! 
Still  may  it  lead,  protect,  supply, 
And  I  that  hand  adore. 

3.  If  bliss  thy  providence  impart, 

For  which,  resign'd  1  pray: 
Give  mc  to  feel  the  grateful  heart, 
That,  without  guilt,  is  gay. 

4.  Affliction  should 'st  thou  please  to  send. 

As  sin's  or  folly's  cure: 
Patient,  to  gain  that  blessed  end, 
May  I  the  means  endure. 

5.  Be  this  and  ev'ry  future  day 

Still  wiser  than  the  past ; 
That,  from  the  whole  of  life's  surv*  -\ 
I  may  find  peace  at  last. 

2.  EVENING. 

HYMN  404.  l.  m. 

1.  A  LL  praise  to  thee,  my  God !  this  night. 
-£*-  For  all  the  blessings  of  the  light. 
Keep  me,  O  keep  me,  King  of  kings  ! 
Beneath  thy  own  almighty  wings. 

2.  Forgive  me,  Lord,  through  thy  dear  Son, 
The  ill  that  I  have  ever  done  ; 

That  with  the  world,  myself,  and  thee, 
I,  e'er  I  sleep,  at  peace  may  be. 
r>.  Teach  me  to  live,  that  I  may  dread 
The  <vr:ive  as  little  as  my  bed; 
To  die,  that  this  frail  body  may 
Rise  glorious  at  the  awful  day. 

HYMN  405.  l.  m. 


1.  nnllUS  far  the  Lord  has  led  mc  on  ; 
-*     Thus  far  his  pow'r  prolongs  my  d 
And  ev'ry  ev'nJng  shall  make  known 
Some  fresh  memorial  of  his  orner 


EVENING.  229 

•J.  Much  of  my  time  has  run  to  waste, 
And  I,  perhaps,  am  near  my  home  : 
But  he  forgives  my  follies  past, 
And  strength  supplies  for  days  to  come. 
3.  I  lay  my  hody  down  to  sleep : 

Peace  is  the  pillow  of  my  head  : 
His  ever-watchful  rye  will  keep 
Its  constant  guard  around  my  bed. 
i.  Faith  in  his  name  forbids  my  fear: 
O  may  thy  presence  ne'er  depart ! 
And  in  the  morning  may  I  bear 
Thy  loving  kindness  on  my  heart ! 

HYMN  406.  c.  m. 


.TXDLT 
A  O'er 


1  all  thy  works  is  shown  : 

0  let  my  grateful  praise  and  pray 'r 
Ascend  before  thy  throne. 

2.  What  mercies  has  this  day  bestow'd  ! 

How  richly  hast  thou  bless'd  ! 

My  cup  with  plenty  overflow 'd, 

With  cheerfulness  my  breast. 

3.  How  may  sweet  slumbers  close  my  eyes> 

From  pain  and  sickness  free  ; 
And  let  my  waking  thoughts  arise, 
To  meditate  on  thee. 

4.  So  bless  each  future  day  and  night, 

'Till  life's  fond  scene  is  o'er ; 
And  then  to  realms  of  endless  light 
O  let  my  spirit  soar  ! 

HYMN  407.  c.  m. 

3   T  ORD  !  thou  wilt  hear  me,  when  I  pray  ; 
*~*  I  am  for  ever  thine : 

1  fear  before  thee  all  the  day, 

Nor  would  I  dare  to  sin. 
\nd  A\hile  I  rest  my  weary  head, 

From  cares  and  business  free ; 
Tis  sweet  conversing  on  my  bed 

With  mv  own  heart  and  thee 
V 


230  NEW- YEAR. 

3. 1  pay  this  ev'ning  sacrifice  ; 

And,  when  my  work  is  (lone, 
Great  God,  my  faith  and  hope  relies 
Upon  thy  grace  alone. 

HYMN  408.  p.  m. 

1.  TNTERVAL  of  grateful  shade, 
-*■  Welcome  to  my  weary  liead  ! 
Welcome,  slumber,  to  my  eyes, 
Tir'd  with  glaring  vanities. 

2.  My  great  Master  still  allows 
Needful  periods  of  repose : 
By  my  heav'nly  Father  blest, 
Thus,  I  give  my  pow'rs  to  rest. 

3:  Heav'nly  Father  !  gracious  name  ! 
Night  and  day  his  love  the  same  ! 
Far  be  each  suspicious  thought, 
Ev'ry  anxious  care  forgot ! 

4.  Thou,  my  ever-bounteous  God  ! 
Crown'st  my  days  with  various  good. 
Thy  kind  eye,  which  cannot  sleep, 
My  defenceless  hours  shall  keep. 

5.  What  if  death  my  sleep  invade  ? 
Should  I  be  of  death  afraid  ? 
While  encircled  by  thine  arm, 
Death  may  strike,  but  cannot  harm 

C.  With  thy  heav'nly  presence  blest, 
Death  is  life,  and  labour  rest, 
Welcome  sleep  or  death  to  me, 
Still  secure,  for  still  with  thee  ! 

ft  NEW  YEAR 
HYMN  409.  l  m. 

1.  f^  RE  AT  God  !  we  sing  that  mighty  hand, 

^J  By  Avhxh  supported,  still  we  stand 
The  op'ning  year  thy  mercj  show  e : 
Let  mercy,  crown  it,  'till  it  close. 

2.  By  day,  at  night,  at  home,  abroad, 
Still  we  are  guarded  bv  our  God ; 


NEW-YEAR.  swt 

B)  ii is  incessant  bounty  fed, 
By  his  unerring  counsel  leu*. 
S.  With  grateful  hearts  the  past  we  own  j 

The  future,  all  to  us  unknown, 
We  to  thy  guardian-care  commit, 
And  peaceful,  leave  before  thy  feet. 

4.  In  scenes  exalted  or  depress'd, 

Be  thou  our  joy,  and  thou  our  rest: 
Thy  goutiness  all  our  hopes  shall  raise, 
Ador'd  through  all  our  changing  days. 

5.  When  death  shall  interrupt  our  songs, 
And  seal  in  silence  mortal  tongues  ; 
Our  helper,  God,  in  whom  we  trust, 
lu  better  worlds  our  souls  shall  boast. 

HYMN  410    i..  m 

1.  (^  01)  of  our  lives  !  thy  constant  care 

^J   With  blessings  crowns  each  op'ning  veai  . 
These  lives,  su  frail,  dost  thou  prolong, 
And  wake  anew  our  annual  song. 

%  How  many  precious  souls  are  fled 
To  the  dark  regions  of  the  dead, 
Since  from  this  day,  the  changing  sun 
Through  his  last  yearly  course  has  run  ! 

3.  We  yet  survive  :  but  who  can  say, 

Or  through  the  year,  or  month,  or  day, 

T  shall  retain  my  vital  breath, 

Thus  far  at  least  in  league  with  deatli  ? 

4.  That  breath  is  thine,  eternal  God  ! 
'Tis  thine  to  fix  the  soul's  abode. 
We  hold  our  lives  from  thee  alone, 
On  earth,  or  in  the  world  unknown. 

5.  To  thee  we  all  our  pow'lf  resign; 
Make  us  and  own  us  still  as  dune  : 
Then  shall  we  smile,  secure  from  fear, 
Though  death  should  blast  the  rising  year. 

(5.  Thy  children,  eager  to  be  gone, 
Bid  time's  impetuous  tide  roll  on, 
And  land  them  00  that  blooming  shore 
Where  years  and  death  are  known  no  more. 


232  PUBLIC  BLESSINGS 

HYMN  411.  c.  m. 

1. 13  EMARK,  my  soul !  the  narrow  bounds 
-"  Of  the  revolving  year. 
How  swift  the  weeks  complete  their  rounds  ! 
How  short  the  months  appear ! 

2.  So  fast  eternity  comes  on, 

And  that  important  day, 
When  all  that  mortal  life  has  done 
God's  judgment  shall  survey. 

3.  Yet  like  an  idle  tale  we  pass 

The  swift  advancing  year ; 
And  study  artful  ways  t'  increase 
The  speed  of  its  career. 

4.  Waken,  O  God  !  my  trifling  heart, 

Its  great  concern  to  see  ; 
That  1  may  act  the  christian  part, 
And  give  the  year  to  thee. 

5.  Thus  shall  their  course  more  grateful  run, 

If  future  years  arise  ; 
And  bear  me  swift  as  time  can  move, 
To  joy  that  never  dies. 

4.  PUBLIC  AND  NATIONAL  BLESS 
INGS  AND  AFFLICTIONS. 

HYMN  412   l.  m. 

Thanksgiving. 

1.  T>RAISE,  happy  land  !  Jehovah's  name  . 
-*•  His  goodness,  and  thy  bliss  proclaim. 
For  thee  each  blessing  largely  flows, 

That  freedom's  lib'ral  band  bestows. 

2.  Thy  children  are  secure  and  blest; 
Thy  shores  have  peace,  thy  cities  rest . 
He  feeds  thy  sons  with  finest  wheat, 
And  adds  his  blessing  to  their  meal 

3.  Thy  changing  seasons  he  ordains, 
Thine  early  and  tbv  latter  rains  ; 


AM)  AFFLICTIONS. 

His  flakes  of  snow  like  wool  he  sends, 
And  well  the  springing  corn  defends. 

4.  Hut  lie  hath  nobler  works  and  ways, 
To  call  his  people  to  his  praise  : 

To  all  our  land  his  laws  are  shown  : 
His  gospel's  through  the  nation  known. 

HYMN  418    p.  m. 

1.  XJOW  vieh  thy  gifts,  Almighty  King  ! 
■*"*■  From  thee  our  varied  comforts  spring  : 

Th1  extended  trade,  the  fruitful  skies, 
The  blessings  liberty  bestows, 
Th"  eternal  joys  the  gospel  shows. — 

All  from  thy  boundless  goodness  rise. 
J.  Here  commerce  spreads  the  wealthy  store. 
That  pours  from  ev'ry  foreign  shore ; 

Science  and  art  their  charms  display ; 
Religion  teaches  us  to  raise 
Our  voices  to  our  Maker's  praise, 

A>>  truth  and  conscience  point  the  way. 

5.  With  grateful  hearts,  with  joyful  tongues, 
To  God  we  raise  united  songs  ; 

jlis  powY  and  mercy  we  proclaim: 
This  land  through  ev'ry  age  shall  own, 
Jehovah  here  has  fix'd  his  throne, 

And  triumph  in  his  mighty  name. 
4.  Long  as  the  moon  her  course  shaL1  run, 
Or  man  behold  the  circling  sun, 

O  still  may  God  amidst  us  reign: 
Crown  our  just  counsels  with  success, 
With  peace  and  joy  our  borders  bless, 

And  all  our  sacred  rights  maintain. 

HYMN  414.  cm. 
National  security  from  God. 

1.  T\  vain  opposing  nations  rage, 
*-   If  God  with  us  abide  : 

One  word  of  his  dissolves  their  strength, 
And  humbles  all  their  pride. 

2.  His  wisdom  sees  correction  meet ; 

lie  gives  the  dread  command, 
U  2 


•w1 


234  PUBLIC  BLESSINGS 

And  war  its  desolation  spreads 
Through  ev'ry  trembling  land. 

3.  His  purpose  wrought,  again  he  speaks, 

And  desolations  cease ; 
War's  loud  alarms  are  heard  no  more. 
And  all  the  world  is  peace. 

4.  Mortals,  adore  his  sov'reign  pow'r, 

Nor  dare  provoke  his  rod  : 
Through  all  your  various  tribes  be  still, 
And  know  that  he  is  God. 

HYMN  415.  l.  m. 

Ill  time  of  -war. 
rHILE  sounds  of  war  are  heard  around, 
And  death  and  ruin  strew  the  ground  ; 
To  thee  we  look,  on  thee  we  call, 
The  Parent  and  the  Lord  of  all. 

2.  Thou,  who  hast  stamp'd  on  human  kind 
The  image  of  a  heav'n-born  mind, 
And  in  a  Father's  wide  embrace 
Hast  cherish'd  all  the  kindred  race  : 

3. 0  see,  with  what  insatiate  rage 

Thy  sons  their  impious  battles  wage  •, 
How  spreads  destruction  like  a  flood, 
And  brothers  shed  their  brothers'  blood, 

4.  See  guilty  passions  spring  to  birth 
And  deeds  of  hell  deform  the  earth  ; 
Whilst  righteousness  and  justice  mourn, 
And  love  and  pity  droop  forlorn. 

r».  Great  God  !  whose  powr'ful  hand  can  binu 
The  raging  waves,  the  furious  wind  : 
O  bid  the  human  tempest  cease, 
And  hush  the  liiadd'niiig  world  to  peace 

6.  With  rev'rence  may  each  hostile  land 
Hear  and  obey  that  high  command, 
Thy  Son's  blest  errand  from  above: — 
"  My  creatures,  live  in  mutual  love  !M 

HYMN  416.  s.  m. 


h  f^  OD,  to  correct  the  world, 

^J  In  wrath  is  slow  to  rise  ; 


AND  AFFLICTIONS. 

But  comes  at  length,  in  thunder  cloth 'd, 
And  darkness  veils  the  skies. 
J.  His  banners,  lifted  high, 
The  nations'  God  declare, 
And  stain'd  with  blood,  with  terrors  mark'd. 
Spread  wonder  and  despair. 

5.  All  earthly  pomp  and  pride 

Are  in  his  presence  lost ; 
Empires  o'erturn'd,  thrones,  sceptres,  crown 

In  wild  contusion  tost. 
i.  While  war  and  wo  prevail, 

And  desolation  wide  ; 
In  God,  the  sov 'reign  Lord  of  all, 

The  righteous  still  confide. 
.  Mysterious  is  the  couise 

Of  his  tremendous  way  : 
His  path  is  in  the  trackless  winds, 

And  in  the  foaming  sea. 

6.  Yet,  though  now  wrapt  in  clouds, 

And  from  our  view  conceal 'd, 
The  righteous  Judge  will  soon  appear, 
In  majesty  reveal 'd  ! 

7.  He'll  curb  the  lawless  pow'r, 

The  deadly  wrath  of  man  ; 
And  all  the  windings  will  unfold 
Of  his  own  gracious  plan. 

8.  The  sons  of  tyranny 

In  ruin  shall  be  hurl'd  ; 
And  light,  and  liberty,  and  bliss, 
Embrace  the  new-born  world. 

HYMN  417  l.  m. 

*'  O  come>  behold  a  scene  of  dread  ! 

^-*  Behold  a  world  with  slaughter  Spread  ! 
And  know,  'tis  God  who  bids  each  land 
Thus  feel  the  terrors  of  his  hand. 

St.  5Tis  his  again  the  earth  to  cheer, 
To  break  the  bow,  to  snap  the  spear, 
To  wrap  in  flames  the  glitt'ring  car, 
And  hush  the  tumult  of  the  war. 


236  PUBLIC  BLESSINGS 

3.  Behold  us,  Lord  !  oppressM  with  wo, 
As  exil'd  from  thy  care  we  go  : 
liebuk'd  for  sin,  chastis'd  by  thee, 
Grant  us  again  thy  face  to  see. 

4.  O  thou,  the  God  whom  we  adore  ! 
Our  breaches  heal,  our  peace  restore. 
Our  hope,  on  man  repos'd  in  vain, 

O  let  thy  strength,  great  God  !  sustain. 

5.  The  objects  of  thy  tend  Vest  love 
O  save,  propitious  from  above  ! 
Let  us  with  them  thy  mercy  share; 
And  hear,  O  hear  our  ceaseless  pray'i. 

HYMN  418.  i-  m.' 

\\7"E  feel  thy  awful  chast'ning  ro.'l, 
*  ▼     Thy  sov'reign  justice  we  adore? 
Yet  we  approach  thy  feet,  O  God, 
Thy  boundless  mercy  to  implore. 

2.  Teach  us  to  mourn  for  all  our  guilt ; 

May  reformation  iill  the  land; 
No  more  may  human  blood  be  spilt, 
But  love  and  joy  eacli  heart  expand. 

3.  To  thee,  O  Lord,  to  thee  alone, 

We  look,  for  help,  while  drown'd  in  tears. 
Send  down  salvation  from  thy  throne  ; 
Subdue  our  hearts,  remove  our  fears ; 
I.  Unite  our  souls  to  trust  thy  grace ; 
Portentous,  angry  clouds  dispel ; 
Let  party-feuds  no  more  have  place, 
Nor  tongues  be  "  set  on  fire  oT  hell,'* 
.'.  May  the  kind  spirit  of  thy  Son 
Preside  and  rule  in  ev'ry  soul  : 
That  wars  may  cease,  thy  will  be  done, 
And  praise  resound  from  pole  to  pole. 

HYMN  419.  c.  m. 

Prayer  for  victory  over  itgxuHngf\ 
J.  f\  Lord,  our  fathers  oft  have  told, 
^^  In  our  attentive  eai  B, 
rhv  wonders  in  their  d:  :\  s  performed, 
Vi<!  in  more  anoient  years. 


AND  AFFLICTIONS.  -J.i7 

J.     I'was  not  their  courage,  nor  their  sword 
To  them  salvation  gave  ; 
'Twas  not  their  number,  nor  their  strength, 
That  did  their  country  save. 
3.  But  thy  right  hand,  thy  pow'rful  arm  ; 
Whose  succour  they  implor'd  ; 
Thy  providence  protected  those, 
Who  thy  great  name  ador'd. 
i.  Aa  thee,  their  God,  our  fathers  own'd, 
So  thou  art  still  our  King. 
O  therefore,  as  thou  did'stto  them, 
To  us  deliv'rance  bring. 
5.  To  thee,  the  glory  well  ascribe, 
From  whom  salvation  came ; 
In  God  our  shield  we  will  rejoice, 
And  ever  bless  thy  name. 

HYMN  420.  l.  m. 

1.  'VTOW  may  the  God  of  grace  and  powY 
-^    Attend  his  people's  humble  cry  ; 
Defend  them  in  the  needful  hour, 

And  send  deliv'rance  from  on  high. 

2.  In  his  salvation  is  our  hope  ; 

And  in  the  name  of  Israel's  God, 
Our  troops  shall  lift  their  banners  up, 
Our  navies  spread  their  Hags  abroad. 

3.  Some  trust  in  horses  train'd  for  war, 

And  some  of  chariots  make  their  boastb  ; 
Our  surest  expectations  are 

From  thee,  the  Lord  of  heav'nly  hosts. 
1.  Now  save  us,  Lord,  from  slavish  fear  ; 

Now  let  our  hope  be  firm  and  strong ; 
Till  thy  salvation  shall  appear, 

And  hymns  of  peace  conclude  our  song. 

HYMN  421    i .  m. 

Plib&C  Humiliation. 
1.  /^MJKAT  framer  of  unnumber'd  worlds, 
^*  And  whom  nnpamber'd  worlds  adore  ' 
Thy  goodness  all  thy  creatures  share, 
And  nature  trembles  at  thy  powY. 


238  PUBLIC  BLESSINGS 

l2.  While  suppliant  crowds  implore  thine  aid, 
To  thee  we  raise;  the  humble  cry  : 
Thine  altar  is  the  contrite  heart ; 
Thine  incense  a  repentant  sigh. 
.}.  But  it' injustice  grind  the  poor, 
Or  av'rice  stain  the  sordid  hand, 
Or  stern  ambition  thirst  tor  blood, 
Or  rude  oppression  waste  the  land : 

4.  The  God,  who  hears  the  orphan's  cry, 

The  martyr's  pray'r,  and  pris'ner's  groan, 
Still  listening  to  the  poor  opprest, 

Would  spurn  th'  oppressor  from  his  throne 

5.  Yet,  though  enormous  crimes  abound, 

Should  but  a  genuine  sorrow  rise; 
And  as  new  troubles  threaten  round 
'Midst  wasting  wars  and  angry  skies. 

6.  Should,  in  her  sober  hour,  our  land 

Confess  thy  hand  and  bless  the  rod : 

Thou  still  wouldst  love  to  be  her  friend, 

Who  lov'd  to  own  thee  as  her  God. 

HYMN  422    c.  m. 

1.  \I7HEN  Abrab'm,  full  of  sacred  awe 
*  ▼     Before  Jehovah  stood, 
And  with  an  humble  fervent  pray'r, 
For  guilty  Sodom  sued  : 
J.  With  what  success,  v.  hat  wondrous  gi., 
Was  his  petition  crown'd  ' 
The  Lord  would  spare,  if  in  this  place 
Ten  righteous  men  were  found. 
3.  And  could  a  single  pious  soul 
So  rail  a  boon  obtain  ? 
Good  God  '  and  shall  a  nation  cry. 
Ant!  jdead  with  thee  in  v:un  ? 

•i.  Arc  noi  the  righteous  dear  to  thee 
Now,  as  in  ancient  tint 
Or  docs  this  sinful  land  exceed 

Gomorrah  in  her  crimes  ! 

ill  WO  arc  thine,  we  bf.tr  tliv  name: 

I  [(  re  j  et  is  thine  abode. 


AND  AFFLICTIONS.  gtt 

Long  has  thy  presence  blest  our  land : 

Forsake  us  not,  O  God  ! 
6.  O  may  our  people,  rulers,  priests, 

Tlry  choicest  blessings  share  ; 
And  know  thee  by  that  glorious  name, 

"  The  God  who  heareth  pray'r  !" 

HYMN  423.  c  m. 

1.  HHHY  gracious  favour,  Lord  !  display, 

•*■    Which  we  have  long  implor'd  ; 
And,  for  thy  w  ondrous  mercies  sake, 
Thy  wonted  aid  afford. 

2.  God's  answer  patiently  I'll  wait ; 

For  he,  with  glad  success, 
If  they  no  more  to  folly  turn, 

His  mourning  saints  will  bless. 
S.  To  all,  that  fear  his  holy  name, 

His  sure  salvation's  near; 
And  in  its  former  happy  state, 

Our  nation  shall  appear. 
t.  Truth  from  the  earth  shall  spring,  whilst  heav'u 

Shall  streams  of  justice  pour; 
And  God,  from  whom  all  blessings  flow, 

Shall  endless  plenty  show'r. 

HYMN  424.  l.  m. 

]*raisefor  deliverance  and  peace. 

1.  T>IiAISE  to  the  Lord,  who  bows  his  ear 
-■-    Propitious  to  his  people's  pray'r ; 
And,  though  deliv'rance  long  delay, 
Answers  in  his  well  chosen  day. 

2.  Salvation  doth  to  God  belong ; 

His  pow'r  and  grace  shall  be  our  song  ; 
The  tribute  of  our  love  we  bring 
To  thee  our  Saviour  and  our  King. 

3.  Our  temples,  guarded  from  the  flame, 
Shall  echo  thy  triumphant  name; 
And  ev'ry  peaceful  private  home 

To  thee  a  temple  shall  become. 
\.  Still  be  it  our  supreme  delight, 
To  Mnlk  as  in  thy  honour'd  sight; 


240  PUBLIC  BLESSINGS  &c. 

Still  in  thy  precepts  and  thy  fear, 
'Till  life's  last  hour,  to  persevere. 
5.  O  when  shall  time  the  period  bring, 
When  peace  shall  stretcli  her  balmy  wing 
O'er  ev'ry  land  and  ev'ry  shore, 
And  raging  war  shall  waste  no  more  ! 

HYMN  425    t.  m. 

!.  TTAD  not  the  Lord,  may  Israel  say, 
J-1  Had  not  the  Lord  maintain'd  our  side. 
When  men,  to  make  our  lives  a  prey, 
Rose  like  the  swelling  of  the  tide ; 

2.  The  swelling  tide  had  stopt  our  breath, 

So  fiercely  did  the  billows  roll  : 
We  had  been  swallow'd  up  in  death; 
The  waters  had  o'erwhelm'd  our  soul. 

3.  For  ever  blessed  be  the  Lord, 

Who  broke  the  fowler's  deadly  snare  ; 

Who  sav'd  us  from  the  threat'ning  sword, 

And  made  our  lives  his  watchful  care. 

4.  Our  help  is  in  Jehovah's  name, 

Who  form'd  the  earth  and  built  the  skies; 
Who  still  upholds  all  nature's  frame, 
And  guards  his  church  with  wakeful  eyes. 

HYMN  426    p.  m. 

1.  'VTOW  let  our  songs  address  the  God  of  peace, 
-^     Who  bids  the  tumult  of  the  battle  H 

The  pointed  spears  to  pruning  hooks  he  bends. 
And  the  broad  falchion  in  the  plough-shai  < 
His  pow'rful  word  unites  contending  nations 
In  kind  embrace  and  friendly  salutations. 

2.  While  we  beneath  our  vines  and  fig-trees  sit, 
Or  thus  within  thy  sacred  temple  meet, 
Accept,  great  God  !  the  tribute  of  our  song, 
And  all  the  mercies  of  this  day  prolong. 

Then  spread  thy  peaceful  word  thro'  evVy  nation 
That  all  the  earth  may  bail  thy  greal  salvation. 

HYMN  427    o.  m. 


1    I) 


ACL!  the  welcome  sound  proclaim 
I  >v  elJ  with  raptorc  on  the  th  i 


FOR  A  CONGREGATION. 

Loud,  still  louder  swell  the  strain: 
Peace  on  earth  !  good-will  to  men  ! 

2.  Breezes  !  whisp*ring  soft  and  low, 
Gently  murmur  as  ye  blow, 
Now,  when  war  and  discord  cease, 
Praises  to  the  God  of  peace. 

3.  Ocean's  billows  !  far  and  wide, 
Rolling  in  majestic  pride  ! 

Loud,  still  louder  swell  the  strain  : 
Peace  on  earth  !  good-will  to  men ! 

4.  Vocal  songsters  of  the  grove  ! 
Sweetly  chant  in  notes  of  love, 
Now,  when  war  and  discord  cease, 
Praises  to  the  God  of  peace. 

5.  Mortals  w  ho  these  blessings  feel  ! 
Christians  who  before  him  kneel ! 
Loud,  still  louder  swell  the  strain  : 
Peace  on  earth  !  good-will  to  men ! 

5   FOR  A  CONGREGATION. 
HYMN  428    l.  m. 

On  opejiing  a  neiv  place  of-vorsfrip. 

1.  A  ND  will  the  great  eternal  God 
J-*-  On  earth  establish  his  abode  ? 
And  will  he  from  his  radiant  throne 
Regard  our  temples  as  his  own  ? 

2.  We  bring  the  tribute  of  our  praise : 
And  sing  that  condescending  grace, 
Which  to  our  notes  will  lend  an  ear, 
And  call  us  sinful  mortals  near. 

•>.  Our  Father's  watchful  care  we  bless, 
Which  guards  our  houso  of  pray'r  in  peac<  . 
That  no  tumultuous  foes  invade, 
To  fill  the  worshippers  with  dread. 

4.  These  walls  we  to  thy  honour  raise  : 
Long  may  they  echo  with  thy  praise  ; 
And  thou,  descending,  fill  the  place 
With  choicest  tokens  of  thy  grace. 


T 


m  FOR  A  CONGREGATION. 

5.  And  in  the  great  decisive  day, 

When  God  the  nations  shall  survey, 
May  it  before  the  world  Appear, 
That  crowds  were  born  to  glorv  here  .' 

HYMN  429.  p.  m. 

[N  sweet  exalted  strains 

The  King  of  glory  praise: 
O'er  heav'n  and  earth  he  reigns. 

Through  everlasting  days. 
lie  with  a  nod  the  world  controls. 
Sustains  or  sinks  the  distant  pole1- 

2.  To  earth  he  bends  his  throne, 
J  lis  throne  of  grace  divine  ; 

Wide  is  his  bounty  known, 

And  wide  his  glories  shine. 
Fair  Salem,  still  his  chosen  rest, 
Is  with  his  smiles  and  presence  blest 

3.  Then  King  of  glory  !  come  ; 
And  with  thy  favour  crown 

This  temple  as  thy  dome, 
This  people  as  thy  own. 
Within  this  house  O  deign  to  show, 
How  God  can  dwell  with  men  belou 

4.  Here  may  thine  ears  attend 
Our  interceding  cries, 

And  grateful  praise  ascend 
All  fragrant  to  the  skies. 
Here  may  thy  word  melodious  sound. 
And  spread  the  joys  of  heav'n  around. 

5.  Here  may  th'  attentive  throng 
Imbibe  thy  truth  and  love; 

And  converts  join  the  song 

( )f  Sti\;  i  -I  i  i  1 1  above  ; 
And  willing  urowds  surround  thy  board, 
With  sacred  joy  and  sweet  accord. 

0.  In  peace,  here  may  oar  sons 

And  daughters  sound  thy  praise: 

And  shine  like  pniish'd  stones, 

Through  long  succeeding;  days. 
Here,  Lord  !  display  thy  saving  pow'r, 
While  churches  stand  and  saints  adore 


FOR  A  CONGREGATION.  243 

HYMN  480   i  •  m. 

.  //  the  ordination  or  settlement  of  a  Minister. 

1.  rpHUS  spake  the  Saviour,  when  he  sent 

J-    His  ministers  to  preach  his  word  ; 
They  through  the  world  obedient  went, 
And  spread  the  gospel  of  their  Lord. 

2.  "  Go  forth,  ye  heralds,  in  my  name  ; 

Bid  the  whole  earth  my  grace  receive  ; 
The  gospel  Jubilee  proclaim, 
And  call  them  to  repent  and  live, 
.i.  "  The  joyful  news  to  all  impart, 

And  teach  them  where  salvation  lies; 
Bind  up  the  broken  bleeding  heart, 
And  wipe  the  tear  from  weeping  eyes. 
i.  M  Ik'  wise  as  serpents  where  you  go, 
But  harmless  as  the  peaceful  dove; 

And  let  your  heav'n-taoght  conduct  show  , 

That  you're  commissioned  from  above. 

Freely  from  me  ye  have  receiv'd  ; 

Freely  in  love  to  others  give: 
Thus  shall  your  doctrines  be  believ'd, 

And  by  your  labour  sinners  live." 
■    Happy  those  servants  of  the  Lord, 

"\\  ho  thus  their  Master's  will  obey  ! 
How  rich,  how  foil  is  their  reward, 

Keserv'd  until  the  final  day  ! 

HYMN  431.  i..  m. 

1.  r^  REAT  Lord  of  angels  !  we  adore 

^J    The  grace  that  builds  thy  courts  below  : 
And  'midst  Un  thousand  sons  of  light, 
Stoops  to  regard  what  mortals  do  ! 
ulst  tin-  wastes  of  time  ami  death, 
Successive  pastor-  thou  do  I  raise, 
Thy  kingdom  and  thy  truth  to  spread, 
And  form  a  people  for  thy  praise. 
.3.  At  length,  dismissed  from  feeble  clay, 
TIin   Ben  ants  join  th'  angelic  band, 
With  them  through  distant  worlds  Iney  fi\ 
With  them  before  thy  presence  stand. 


j±;  FOR  A  CONGREGATION. 

4.  O  blest  employment !  glorious  hope  ! 

Sweet  lenitive  of  grief  and  can; ! 
When  shall  we  reach  those  radiant  courts, 
And  all  their  joys  and  honours  share  ? 

5.  Yet  while  these  labours  we  pursue, 

Tho'  distant  from  thy  heav'nly  throne, 
Give  us  a  zeal  and  love  like  theirs, 

And  half  their  heav'n  shall  here  be  known. 

HYMN  482.  l.  m. 

On  the  dangerous  sickness  of  a  ^Minister. 

1.  f\  Thou,  before  whose  gracious  throne, 
^-*  We  bow  our  suppliant  spirits  down  ! 
Thou  know'st  the  anxious  cares  we  feel, 
And  all  our  trembling  lips  would  tell. 

2.  Avert  thy  desolating  stroke, 
Nor  smite  the  shepherd  of  the  flock ; 
Restore  him,  sinking  to  the  grave  ; 
Stretch  out  thine  arm,  make  haste  to  save. 

3.  But  if  our  supplications  fail, 

And  pray'rs  and  tears  cannot  prevail  : 
Be  thou  his  strength,  be  thou  his  stay  ; 
Support  him  through  the  gloomy  way. 

4.  Around  him  may  thy  angels  stand, 
Waiting  the  signal  of  thy  hand, 
To  bid  his  happy  spirit  rise, 

And  bear  him  to  their  native  skies. 

HYMN  483-  o.  m. 

For  a  vacant  congregation  on  the  death  of  its  ,  Minister. 


I.  "VTOW  let  our  drooping  hearts  revive 
-^    And  let  our  tears  be  dry  : 


ve, 
ry: 

W  hy  should  those  eyes  be  drown'd  in  grict, 
Which  view  a  Saviour  nigh  ? 


2.  Though  earthly  shepherds  dwell  in  dust, 

The  aged  and  the  J  oung  ; 
The  watchful  eve  in  darkness  clos'd, 

And  mute  th'  instructive  tongue  : 
,).  Tli'  eternal  shepherd  still  survives, 

New  comfort  to  impart. 


i. 


SICKNESS    \M3  RECOVERY.  943 

I  lis  hand  still  guides  us,  and  his  voice 
Still  animates  our  heart. 
..  The  pow'rs  of  nature,  Lord  !  are  thine, 
And  thine  the  aids  of  grace. 
Thine  arm  has  borne  thj  churches  up, 
Through  ev'ry  rising  race. 
5.  Exert  thy  sacred  inflifnce  here  ; 
Thy  mourning  servants  hless. 

0  change  to  strains  of  cheerful  praise 
Their  accents  6F distress. 

6    SICKNESS  A^Td  RECOVERY 

HYMN  434-  c.  m. 

CONSIDER  all  my  sorrows,  Lord  ; 
And  thy  deliv'rance  send. 
My  soul  for  thy  salvation  taints  ; 
When  will  my  troubles  end  ? 
J.  Yel  1  have  found,  ?lis  good  for  me 
To  hear  my  Father's  rod  : 
A  Mictions  make  me  learn  thy  law, 
And  live  upon  my  Uod. 

3.  This  is  the  comfort  1  enjoy, 

When  new  distress  begws  ; 

1  read  thy  word,  I  run  thy  ways, 

And  hate  my  former  sir,<. 

4.  Had  not  thy  word  been  my  delight, 

When  earthly  joys  were  lied  ; 
My  soul  oppressed  with  sorrow's  weight, 
ilad  sunk  amongst  the  dead. 

5.  1  know,  ihy  judgments.  Lord  !  are  right. 

Though  they  may  seem  severe. 

The  sharpest  suffYmga  I  endure 

Flow  from  thy  faithful  care. 

HYMN  43.5-  s.  m. 

J.  T)EACE,  my  complaining  heart ! 

-*-     Ye  busy  eares,  be  still  ! 
Adore  the  just,  the  sov  reign  Lord 
Nor  murmur  at  his  will. 
\    J 


246  SICKNESS  AND  RECOVERY. 

2.  'Tis  wisdom  guides  his  hand  ; 

Nor  dares  my  guilty  fear, 
Amidst  the  sharpest  pains  I  feel, 
Pronounce  his  hand  severe. 

3.  To  soften  ev'ry  stroke, 

Indulgent  mercy  beads  ; 
And,  unrepining  when  I  plead, 
His  gracious  ear  attends. 

4.  Let  me  reflect  with  awe, 

Whene'er  my  heart  complains  : 
Compared  Avith  what  my  sins  deserve, 
How  easy  are  my  pains  ! 

5.  Yes,  Lord,  I  own  thy  hand, 

Thou  just,  and  wise,  and  kind  ! 
Be  ev'ry  anxious  thought  suppress'd, 
And  all  my  soul  resign'd. 

HYMN  486.  c.  m. 

1.  "TJISEASES  are  thy  servants,  Lord  ! 
-*-J  They  come  at  thy  command. 
I'll  not  attempt  a  murm'ring  word 

Against  thy  chast'ning  hand. 

2.  I'm  hut  a  sojourner  below, 

As  all  my  fathers  were  : 
•May  I  be  well  prepar'd  to  go, 
When  I  the  summons  hear. 

3.  But  if  my  life  be  spar'd  awhile, 

Before  my  last  remove  : 
Thy  praise  shall  he  my  business  still, 
And  I'll  declare  thy  love. 

HYMN  4S7.  c.  m. 

1.  IV/fY  soul,  the  awful  hour  will  come, 
-L*A  Apace  it  passeth  on, 
To  bear  this  body  to  the  tomb, 
And  thee  to  scenes  unknown. 
*2.  My  heart,  long  lab 'ring  with  its  woes, 
Shall  pant  and  sink  :iu;i)  ; 
\ud  you  my  eye-lids  soon  shall  close 
On  the  last  glinuu'ring  pay. 


>l(  KNESS  AND  RECOVERY.  ! 

.  Whence  in  that  hour  shall  I  receive 

A  cordial  for  my  pain, 
When,  if  earth's  monarcha  were  my  friend?. 
Those  friends  would  weep  in  vain  ? 

4.  Great  King  of  nature  and  of  grace  ! 

To  thee  m)  spirit  flies, 
And  opens  all  its  deep  distress 
Before  thy  pitying  eyes. 

5.  All  its  desires  to  thee  are  know ;., 

And  ev'ry  secret  fear; 
The  meaning  of  each  broken  groan 
Well-notic'd  by  thine  ear. 

6.  O  fix  me  by  that  mighty  pow'r, 

Which  to  such  love  belongs, 
Where  darkness  veils  the  eyes  no  more. 
And  groans  are  chang'd  to  songs. 

HYMN  488   p.  m 

On  recovering  from  disease, 

1.  TJOW  vast  ^  tne  tribute  I  owe 

-"■  Of  gratitude,  homage,  and  praise, 
To  the  river  of  all  I  possess, 

The  life  and  the  length  of  my  days  ! 

2.  When  the  sorrows  I  boded  were  come, 

I  pour'd  out  my  sighs  and  my  tears ; 
And  to  him,  who  alone  can  relieve, 
My  soul  breath 'd  her  vows  and  her  pray  Vs. 

3.  When  my  heart  throbb'd  with  pain  and  alarm. 

When  paleness  my  cheek  overspread, 
When  sickness  pervaded  my  frame ;— • 
Then  my  soul  on  my  Maker  was  stay'd. 
i.  When  death's  awful  image  was  nigh, 
And  no  mortal  w  as  able  to  save  j 
Thou  didst  brighten  the  valley  of  death, 
And  illumine  the  gloom  of  the  grave. 
5.  In  mercy  thy  presence  dispels 
The  shades  of  calamity's  night, 
And  turns  the  sad  scene  of  despair 
To  a  morning  of  joy  and  delight. 


248  SICKNESS  AND  RECOVERY. 

6.  Great  source  of  my  comforts  restor'd  ! 

Thou  healer  and  balm  of  my  woes  ! 
Thou  hope  and  desire  of  my  soul  ! 
On  thy  mercy  I'll  ever  repose. 

7.  How  boundless  the  gratitude  due 

To  thee,  O  thou  God  of  my  praise  I 
The  fountain  of  all  I  possess, 

The  life  and  the  light  of  my  d:iy.s  ! 

HYMN  489.  u  m. 

1.  T^IItM  was  my  health,  my  day  was  bright, 
■*■     And  I  presum'd  'twould  ne'er  be  night. 
Fondly  I  said  within  my  heart, 
Pleasure  and  peace  shall  ne'er  depart, 

J.  Hut  I  forgot,  thine  arm  wafi  strong, 
Which  made  my  mountain  stand  so  long^ 
And,  when  thy  face  Mas  turn'd  aside, 
My  health  was  gone,  my  comforts  died. 

3.  Hear  me,  O  God  of  grace !  I  said, 
And  raise  me  from  among  the  dead. 
Thy  word  rebuk'd  the  pains  I  felt; 
Thy  pard'ning  love  remov'd  my  guilt. 

4. 1  will  extol  thee,  Lord,  on  high  : 
At  thy  command  diseases  fly. 
Who  but  a  God  can  speak  and  save 
From  the  dark  borders  of  the  grave  ; 

5.  Thine  anger  but  a  moment  stays  ; 
Thy  love  is  life  and  length  of  days. 
Though  grief  and  tears  the  night  emfrfoj 
The  morning-star  restores  the  joy. 

HYMN  440   c.  m. 

i.  T  love  the  Lord  ;  he  heard  my  cries, 
*•   And  pity'd  ev'ry  groan  : 
Long  as  I  live,  when  troubles  rise, 
Til  hasten  to  his  throne. 
-.  I  love  the  Lord  ;  he  bow'd  his  ear, 
And  chas'd  my  griefs  away, 
o  let  my  heail  no  more  despair, 
While  I  have  breath  to  pray 


SICKNESS  AND  RECOVERY.  3  M 

;3.  Among  the  saints  that  fill  thine  house, 
My  offering  shall  be  paid  ; 
There  shall  my  zeal  perform  the  vow  B 
Mv  soul  in  anguish  made. 
i.  The  Lord  beheld  me  sore  distrest  ; 
He  bade  my  pains  remo\e. 
Return,  my  soul,  to  God,  thy  rest  j 
For  thou  hast  known  his  love. 

HYMN  441.  c.  m. 

1.  COY'REIGX  of  life,  1  own  thy  hand 
^    In  ev'ry  ehast'ning  stroke  ; 

And  while  I  smart  beneath  thy  rod, 
Tin  presence  I  invoke. 

2.  To  thee  in  my  distress  1  cried, 

And  thou  hast  bow  'd  thine  ear. 
Thy  pow'rful  word  prolong'd  my  life. 
And  brought  salvation  near. 

3.  Unfold  the  gates  of  righteousness, 

That,  with  the  pious  throng, 
1  may  record  my  solemn  vows, 

And  tune  my  grateful  song. 
l.  Praise  to  the  Lord,  whose  gentle  hand 

Renews  our  lab'ring  breath  ! 
Praise  to  the  Lord,  who  makes  his  sainU 

Triumphant  ev'n  in  death. 

5,  My  God  !  in  thine  appointed  hour, 

Those  heav'nly  gates  display, 
"Where  pain  and  sin,  and  fear  and  death. 
For  ever  flee  away. 

6.  There,  while  the  nations  of  the  bless'd 

With  raptures  bow  around  ; 
My  anthems  to  deliv:ring  grace 
In  sweeter  strains  shall  sound. 

HYMN  442.  c.  w. 

I.  YTTll&N  o'er  the  trodden  paths  of  life 
J  ?      Backwards!  turn  mine  eyes: 
"W  hat  varied  scenes  throughout  the  rood 
ken  my  surprise  \ 


250  ON  THE  DEATH  01 

2.  Thousands,  to  whom  my  natal  hour 

Imparted  vital  breath^ 
Just  look'd  on  life,  and  clos'd  their  eyes 
In  the  fast  sleep  of  death. 

3.  Thousands,  who  climb'd  to  manhood's  stage, 

Safe  through  unnnmber'd  snares, 
Travell'd  not  far,  before  they  sunk 

Amidst  its  thorns  and  cares. 
L  Follow'd  through  ev'ry  changing  stage, 

"With  goodness  all  my  days  : 
Deny  me  not  a  heart  to  love, 

A  tongue  to  speak  thy  praise. 
5.  Ten  thousand  thousand  thanks  to  tin  - 

Echo  along  the  road 
O  may  I  join  those  endless  songs, 

That  fill  thy  blest  abode. 

7.  ON  THE  DEATHOF RELATIVES 
OR  FRIENDS. 
HYMN  443-  i..  m. 

1.  ^TMIE  God  of  love  will  sure  indulge 

J-    The  flowing  tear,  the  heaving  sigh, 
When  righteous  persons  fall  around, 
When  tender  friends  and  kindred  die. 

2.  Yet  not  one  anxious  murm'ring  thought 

Should  with  our  mourning  passions  blend  , 
Nor  should  our  bleeding  hearts  forget 
Th'  almighty  ever-living  Friend. 

3.  Parent,  Protector,  Guardian,  Guide  ! 

Thou  art  each  lender  name  in  one. 
On  thee  we  cast  our  ev'i-y  care, 

And  comfort  seek  from  thee  alone, 
i.  Our  Father  God,  to  thee  we  look. 

Our  rock,  our  portion,  and  our  Friend 
And  on  thy  gracious  love  and  truth 

Our  sinking  souls  shall  still  depend. 

HYMN  444    <  .  h. 

1.  IVfl'ST  friendl  and  kindred  droop  an<l  die, 
-L'A    A^d  helpers  be  withdrawn  ; 


RELATIVES  OR  FRIENDS, 
While  sorrow,  with  a  weeping  eye, 
Counts  up  our  comforts  gone  } 

2.  Be  thou  our  comfort,  mighty  God  ! 

Our  helper. and  our  friend  ; 
Xor  leave  us  in  this  dang'rous  road, 
'Till  all  our  trials  end. 
5.  O  may  our  feet  pursue  the  way 
Our  pious  fathers  led  ; 
While  love  and  holy  zeal  obey 
The  counsels  of  the  dead. 
4.  Let  us  be  wean'd  from  earthly  joys : 
Let  hope  our  grief  dispel : 
The  dead  in  Jesus  shall  arise. 
In  endless  bliss  to  dwell. 

HYMN  445.  cm. 

On  the  death  of  a  young  person. 
1.  "V1THEN  blooming  youth  is  snatch 'd  awro 
*  *     By  death's  resistless  hand  : 
Our  hearts  the  mournful  tribute  pay, 
Which  pity  must  demand. 
\  While  pity  prompts  the  rising  sigh, 
O  may  this  truth,  imprest 
With  awful  pow'r, — I  too  must  die, 
Sink  deep  in  ev'ry  breast. 

3.  Let  this  vain  world  delude  no  more  ; 

Behold  the  gaping  tomb  : 
It  bids  us  seize  the  present  hour  : 
To-morrow  death  may  come. 

4.  The  voice  of  this  alarming  scenr* 

May  ev'ry  heart  obey  ; 
Xor  be  the  heav'nly  warning  vain, 
Which  calls  to  watch  and  pray 

HYMN  446    o.  m, 

On  the  death  of  a  child. 

1 .  T  IFE  is  a  span,  a  fleeting  hour; 

-■-*  How  soon  the  vapour  Hies  ! 

Man  is  a  tender  transient  flow  V, 

Thai  ev'n  in  oloomin?  dies, 


S50  ON  THE  DEATH  OF 

2.  Death  spreads  like  winter's  frozen  arras. 
And  beauty  smiles  no  more. 
Ah  !  where  are  now  those  rising  charms, 
Which  pleas'd  our  eyes  before  ? 
>.  Tlie  once  lov'd  form,  now  cold  and  dead, 
Each  mournful  thought  employs  ; 
And  nature  weeps  her  comforts  tied, 
And  wither'd  all  her  joys. 
i.  But  wait  the  interposing  gloom, 
And  lo  !  stern  Avinter  flies ; 
And  drest  in  beauty's  fairest  bloom, 
The  flow'ry  tribes  arise. 
5,  Hope  looks  beyond  the  bounds  of  time. 
When  what  we  now  deplore 
Shall  rise  in  full  immortal  prime* 
And  bloom  to  fade  no  more. 

0.  Then  cease,  fond  nature  !  cease  thy  tears ; 

Religion  points  on  high  : 
There  everlasting  spring  appears, 
And  joys  that  cannot  die. 

HYMN  447.  c.  m. 

1.  VE  mourning  saints,  whose  streaming  tears 

J-   Flow  o'er  your  children  dead  : 
Say  not  in  transports  of  despair, 
That  all  your  hopes  are  fled. 

2.  While,  cleaving  to  that  darling  dust, 

In  fond  distress  ye  lie  \ 
Hise,  and  with  joy  and  rev'rence  view 
A  heav'nly  Parent  nigh. 

3. "  I'll  give  the  mourner,"  saith  the  Lord, 

"  In  my  own  house  a  place  •, 
"  No  names  of  daughters  and  of  sons 

"Could  yield  so  high  a  grace. 
;.  "  Transient  and  vain  is  ev'ry  hope 

"  A  rising  race  can  give. 
"  In  endless  honour  and  delight, 

"  My  children  all  shall  live." 
i   \V<   «  clcome,  Lord  !  those  rising  tears. 

Through  which  thy  face  we  see; 


RELATIVES  OR  FRIENDS. 

\nd  bless  those  Mounds,  which,  thro'  our  hearts. 
Prepare  a  way  for  thee. 

HYMN  448    v.  u. 

On  tJie  death  of  a  parent. 

1.  Hp HOUGH  nature's  voice  you  must  obey, 

A    Think,  while  your  swelling  griefs  o'ernow, 
That  hand,  which  takes  your  joys  away, 
That  so v 'reign  hand  can  heal  your  wo. 

2.  And,  while  your  mournful  thoughts  deplore 

The  parent  gone,  remov'd  the  friend  ! 
With  hearts  resign 'd,  his  grace  adore, 
On  whom  your  nobler  hopes  depend. 

3.  Does  he  not  bid  his  children  come 

Through  death's  dark  shades  to  realms  of  light  ; 
Yet,  when  he  calls  them  to  their  home 

Shall  fond  survivors  mourn  their  flight  ? 
t.  His  word— here  let  your  souls  rely — 

Immortal  consolation  gives: 
Your  heav'nly  Father  cannot  die, 

Th'  eternal  Friend  for  ever  lives. 
5.  O  be  that  best  of  friends  your  trust ; 

On  his  almighty  arm  recline. 
He,  when  your  comforts  sink  in  dust, 

Can  give  you  comforts  more  divine. 

HYMN  449    i..  m. 

7 'h e  Orpltan 9s  p i -avei \ 
i.  f\  hear  me,  Lord  !  on  thee  I  call, 
"  And  prostrate  at  thy  footstool  fall ; 
Propitious  in  my  cause  appear, 
And  bow  to  my  request  thine  ear. 
-.Look  down,  my  only  hope  !  look  down  ; 
Behold  me,  bat  without  a  frown: 
And  ne'er  to  my  desiring  eye 
Thy  presence,  heav'nly  Lord  !  deny 
.  0  let  me,  on  thy  aid  reclin'd, 
Thee  still  ray  great  salvation  find  ; 
Vor  leave  me  helpless  and  forlorn, 
v«sence  of  thv  grace  to  mourn. 


254  FOR  THE  YOUNG,  AND  OLD. 

4.  Though,  doom'd  the  orphan's  lot  to  bear. 
No  father's  kind  concern  I  share, 

Nor  o'er  me  wakes  a  mother's  eye 
My  wants  attentive  to  supply  : — 

5.  Adopted  by  thy  care,  in  thee 
The  Parent  and  the  Friend  I  see ; 
And,  nourish 'd  by  thy  fost'ring  hand, 
Within  thy  courts  secure  I  stand. 

8.  FOR  THE  YOUNG,  AND  OLD 
HYMN  450  l,  m. 

Youth  instructed. 

1.  /CHILDREN,  in  years  and  knowledge  young 
^  Your  parents'  hope,  your  parents' joy  ! 
Attend  the  counsels  of  my  tongue: 

Let  pious  thoughts  your  minds  employ . 

2.  If  you  desire  a  length  of  days, 

And  peace  to  crown  your  mortal  state  t 
Restrain  your  feet  from  wicked  ways, 
Your  lips  from  slander  and  deceit. 

3.  The  eyes  of  God  regard  his  saints  ; 

His  ears  are  open  to  their  cries : 
He  sets  his  frowning  face  against 
The  sons  of  violence  and  lies. 

4.  To  humble  souls  and  broken  heart  - 

God  with  his  grace  is  ever  nigh : 
Pardon  and  hope  his  love  imparts, 
When  men  in  deep  contrition  lie, 

HYMN  451    c.  m. 

1.  TTAPPY  is  he,  whose  early  years 
AX  Receive  instruction  well ; 
Who  hates  the  sinner's  path,  and  fears 
The  road  that  leads  to  hell. 
%  'Tis  easier  work,  if  we  begin 
To  serve  the  Lord  betimes  ; 
While  sinners  who  grow  old  in  sin 
\w  harden'd  by  their  crimes, 


FOR  THE  YOUNG,  AND  OLD.  25f 

J.  It  saves  us  from  a  thousand  snares, 
To  mind  religion  young: 
With  joy  it  crowns  succeeding  years, 
And  makes  our  virtue  strong. 

4.  To  thee,  almighty  God  !  to  thee 

Our  hearts  we  now  resign  : 
Twill  please  us,  to  look  back  and  see, 
That  our  whole  lives  were  thine ! 

5.  Let  the  sweet  work  of  pray 'r  and  praise 

Employ  our  daily  breath  : 
Thus  we're  prepar'd  for  future  days, 
Or  fit  for  early  death. 

HYMN  452.  l.  m. 

1.  ^OW,  in  the  heat  of  youthful  blood, 
-*-^    Remember  your  Creator,  God. 
Behold,  the  months  come  hast'ning  on, 
When  you  shall  say,  "  my  joys  are  gone." 

2.  God  from  on  high  beholds  your  thoughts ; 
His  book  records  your  secret  faults  : 
The  works  of  darkness  men  have  done 
Must  all  appear  before  the  sun. 

3.  Behold,  the  aged  sinner  goes, 
Laden  with  guilt  and  heavy  woes, 
Down  to  the  regions  of  the  dead, 
With  bitt'rest  curses  on  his  head. 

4.  The  dust  returns  to  dust  again  ; 
The  soul  in  agonies  of  pain, 
Ascends  to  God,  not  there  to  dwell, 
But  hears  her  doom,  and  sinks  to  hell, 

r>.  God  of  the  young  !  turn  off  their  eyes 
From  earth's  alluring  vanities; 
And  let  the  warnings  of  thy  word 
Awake  their  souls  to  fear  the  Lord ! 

HYMN  458    s.  m. 

? .  \A7TTH  humble  heart  and  tongue, 
»•     My  God  !  to  thee  I  pray  : 
0  let  me  learn,  whilst  I  am  young, 
How  1  may  cleanse  my  wav. 


25f>  FOR  THE  YOUNG,  AND  OLD. 

2.  Make  an  unguarded  youth 
The  object  of  thy  care  ; 
Help  me  to  choose  the  path  of  truth. 
And  fly  from  ev'ry  snare. 
T>.  My  heart,  to  folly  prone, 
Inspire  with  love  divine  ; 
Unite  it  to  thyself  alone, 

And  make  me  wholly  thine. 

4.  O  let  thy  word  of  grace 

My  warmest  thoughts  employ  ; 
Be  this,  through  all  ray  following  days, 
My  treasure  and  my  joy. 

5.  To  what  thy  laws  impart 

Be  my  w  hole  will  inclin'd  ; 
O  let  them  dwell  within  my  heart, 
And  sanctify  my  mind. 

6.  May  thy  young  servant  learn, 

By  these  to  cleanse  his  way  ; 
And  may  1  here  the  path  discern 
That  leads  to  endless  day. 

HYMN  454    c.  u. 

Prayer  of  tlie  aged. 

1.  A/T Y  God,  my  everlasting  hope  ! 
-L*--"-  I  live  upon  thy  truth  ; 

Thy  hands  have  held  ray  childhood  up. 
And  strengthen  \1  all  my  youth. 

2.  My  frame  was  fashion  M  by  thy  pow'r, 

And  shows  thy  skill  divine  ; 
And  from  my  mother's  painful  hour, 

I've  been  entirely  thine. 
.3.  Still  has  my  life  new  wonders  sen:. 

In  each  revolving  year  i 
Behold,  my  days  that  yet  remain, 

I  trust  them  to  thy  care, 

•\.  Cast  me  not  oft",  when  strength  declines, 
When  hoary  hairs  arise  : 
And  round  me  let  thy  glory  shine, 
"Whene'er  thy  servant  dies, 


THE  TROUBLES  OF  LIFE. 

HYMN  455    o<  m. 

<.  INTERNAL  Sire,  enthnm'd  on  high  ! 
•Ej  Whom  heav'nly  hosts  adore, 
Who  yet  to  suppliant  dust  art  nigh  : 
Thy  presence  I  implore. 

2.  Wilt  thou  forsake  my  hoary  hairs, 

And  leave  my  fainting  heart  ? 
Who  shall  sustain  my  sinking  years, 
If  God,  my  strength,  depart  ? 

3.  O  guide  me  down  the  steep  of  age, 

And  keep  my  passions  cool ; 
Teach  me  to  scan  the  sacred  page, 

And  practise  ev'ry  rule, 
i.  Let  me  thy  pow'r  and  truth  proclaim 

To  the  surviving  age  ; 
And  leave  a  savour  of  thy  name, 

When  I  shall  quit  the  stage. 

5.  That  solemn  day  is  hast*ning  on  ; 

My  frame  must  soon  decay. 
My  friends, .my  youth's  companions  gone, 
Can  I  expect  to  stay  P 

6.  My  God  !  O  smooth  the  mortal  hour; 

On  thee  my  hope  depends. 
Support  me  with  almighty  pow'r, 
While  dust  to  dust  descends. 

7.  Then  let  my  soul,  O  gracious  God  ! 

Ascend  to  realms  of  day; 

And  in  that  sacred  blest  abode 

Its  endless  anthems  pay. 

XXVI. 
THE  TROUBLES  OF  LIFE 

HYMN  456   >>•  v 

1.  T>RAISE  to  God,  immortal  praise 
-*■    For  the  love  that  crowns  our  days  : 
Bounteous  source  of  ev'ry  joy  ! 
Let  thy  praise  our  tongues  employ. 
Y  2 


25$  THE   TROUBLES  OF  LIFE, 

2.  All,  that  spring-,  -with  bounteous  hand,, 
Scatters  o'er  the  smiling  land  ; 

All,  that  lib'ral  autumn  pours 
From  her  rich  o'erflowing  stores: 

3.  These  to  thee,  our  God  !  we  owe, 
Source  whence  all  our  blessings  flow  ! 
And  lor  these  our  souls  shall  raise 
Grateful  vows  and  solemn  praise. 

4.  Yet  should  rising  whirlwinds  tear 
From  its  stem  the  rip'ning  ear; 
Should  the  fig-trees  blasted  shoot 
Drop  her  green  untimely  fruit: 

5.  Should  the  vine  put  forth  no  more, 
Nor  the  olive  yield  her  store  : 
Though  the  sick'ning  flocks  should  fall. 
And  the  herbs  desert  the  stall  : 

C.  Should  thine  alter'd  hand  restrain 
Vernal  show'rs  and  latter  rain, 
Bkist  each  op'ning  bud  of  joy, 
And  the  rising  year  destroy : 

7.  Yet  to  thee  our  souls  shall  raise 
Gi-ateful  vows  and  solemn  praise  ; 
And,  when  ev'ry  blessing's  flowii 
Love  thee — for  thyself  alone  ! 

HYMN  457-  s.  m. 

LAS  various  as  the  moon 
J-*-  Is  man's  estate  below: 
To  his  bright  day  of  gladness  soon 
Succeeds  a  night  of  wo. 
'2.  The  night  of  wo  resigns 

Its  darkness  and  its  grief; 
Again  the  morn  of  comfort  shines, 
And  brings  our  souls  relief. 
3.  Yet  not  from  fickle  chance 
These  varying  scenes  arise: 
Our^  dark  and  brighter  hours  advance 
By  laws  supremely  wise. 
\.  God  measures  out  to  all 
Their  lot  of  good  and  ill 


the  troubles  of  life.  259 

.\or  this  too  great,  nor  that  too  small, 
Ordain'd  by  heav'n'a  high  will. 
...  Hopeful  and  humble  bear 
Tin  evil  and  thy  good  ; 
Nor  by  presumption,  nor  despair, 
Weak  mortal,  be  subdu'd. 

HYMN  458    p.  m. 

1.  "DROVIDENCE,  profusely  kind, 

A    Wheresoe'er  you  turn  your  eves. 
Bids  you  with  a  grateful  mind 
View  a  thousand  blessings  rise. 

2.  Thankful  own  what  you  enjoy: 

But  a  changing  world  like  this, 
Where  a  thousand  fears  annoy, 
Cannot  give  you  perfect  bliss. 

3.  Perfect  bliss  resides  above, 

Far  above  yon  azure  sky  ; 
Bliss,  that  merits  all  your  love, 

Merita  ev'ry  anxious  sigh. 
1.  What  like  this  has  earth  to  gire  ? 

O  ye  righteous  !  in  your  breast 
Let  the  admonition  live, 

Nor  on  earth  desire  to  rest. 
5.  When  your  bosom  heaves  a  sigh, 

Or  your  eye  emits  a  tear, 
Let  your  wishes  rise  on  high, 

Ardent  rise  to  bliss  sincere. 

HYMN  459    s.  m. 

1.  "LTOW  gracious  and  how  wise 
-*■  ■-   Is  our  chastising  God  ! 

And  O  !  how  rich  the  blessings  are, 
That  blossom  from  his  rod  ! 

2.  He  lifts  it  up  on  high, 

With  pity  in  his  heart; 
That  ev'ry  stroke  his  children  feel 
May  grace  and  peace  impart. 
J.  Instructed  thus,  they  bow 

\ud  own  his  sovVeign  sway; 


HO  THE  TROUBLES  OF  LIFE. 

They  turn  their  erring  footsteps  back 
To  his  forsaken  way. 

4.  His  cov'nant  love  they  seek, 

And  seek  the  happy  hands 
That  closer  still  engage  their  hearts. 
To  honour  his  commands. 

5.  Submissive,  Lord  !  we  yield 

To  discipline  divine, 
And  bless  the  pains  that  make  us  still> 
.More  uniformly  thine. 

HYMN  460    l  m. 

1.  J?  AT  HER  !  I  bless  thy  gentle  hand  : 
-*•    How  kind  was  thy  chastising  rod, 
That  forc'd  my  conscience  to  a  stand, 
And  brought  my  wand 'ring  soul  to  God  ! 
%  Foolish  and  vain  I  went  astray, 

Ere  I  had  felt  thy  scourges,  Lord  ! 
I  left  my  guide,  and  lost  my  way  ; 
But  now  I  love  and  keep  thy  word. 
3.  'Tis  good  for  me  to  wear  the  yoke, 
For  pride  is  apt  to  rise  and  swell ; 
'Tis  good  to  bear  my  Father's  stroke, 
That  I  might  learn  his  statutes  well. 
I.  The  law,  that  issues  from  thy  mouth, 
Shall  raise  my  cheerful  passions  more 
Than  all  the  treasures  of  the  south, 
Or  western  hills  of  golden  ore. 
5.  Thy  hands  have  made  my  mortal  frame. 
Thy  spirit  form'd  my  soul  within  : 
Teacli  me  to  know  thy  wondrous  name, 
And  guard  me  safe  from  death  and  sin. 
0.  Then  all,  that  love  and  fear  the  Lord, 
At  my  salvation  shall  rejoice  ; 
For  I  have  trusted  in  thy  word, 

And  made  thy  grace  my  only  choice. 

HYMN  461.  l.  m. 


H 


OW  well  our  great  Preserver  knows, 
To  weigh  and  to  relieve  <""'  WOW  ! 


THE  TROUBLES  OF  LIFE.  201 

Heboid  his  wrath's  avenging  blast, 
How  slow  to  rise,  how  soon  o'erpast ! 

2.  How  prompt  his  favour  to  dispense 
Its  life-imparting  influence  ! 

Howr  speedy  his  paternal  love 
Our  deep  afflictions  to  remove  ! 

3.  Grief  for  a  night,  obtrusive  guest, 
Beneath  our  roof  perhaps  may  rest ; 
Wut  joy,  with  the  returning  day, 
Shall  wipe  each  transient  tear  away. 

',-.  Willi  what  delight,  great  God,  1  trace 
The  acts  of  thy  stupendous  grace  ! 
To  count  them,  were  to  count  the  sand 
That  lies  upon  the  sea-beat  strand. 

HYMN  462.  c.  m. 

J.  ^VTAKEl)  as  from  the  earth  we  came 
^    And  crept  to  life  at  first, 

"We  to  the  earth  return  again, 

And  mingle  with  our  dust. 
2.  Tis  God,  who  lifts  our  comforts  high, 

Or  sinks  them  in  the  grave. 
lie  gives  ;  and,  blessed  he  his  name, 

He  takes  but  what  he  gave. 
.).  Peace,  all  our  angry  passions  then  : 

Let  each  rebellious  sigh 
Be  silent  at  his  sov'reign  will, 

And  cv'ry  murmur  die. 

4.  If  smiling  mercy  crown  our  lives, 

Its  praises  shall  be  spread  ; 
Nor  will  we  call  unjust  the  hand, 
That  strikes  our  comforts  dead. 

IIVMX  468    l.  m. 

1.  HPHE  darkened  sky,  how  thick  it  low'rs  ! 

-*-    Troubl'd  with  storms,  and  big  with  show'rs; 

No  cheerful  gleam  of  light  appears, 

J  Jut  nature  pours  forth  all  her  tears. 
•'.  \  et  let  the  sons  of  grace  revive  : 

God  bids  the  soul,  that  seeks  him,  live  ; 


g$2  THE.  TROUBLES  OF  LIFE. 

And,  from  the  gloomiest  shade  of  night, 
Calls  forth  a  morning  of  delight. 

0.  The  seeds  of  ecstacy  unknown 
Are  in  these  water'd  furrows  sown. 

See  the  green  blades,  how  thick  they  rise, 
And  with  fresh  verdure  bless  our  eyes  ! 

4.  In  secret  foldings  they  contain 
Unnumbered  ears  of  golden  grain  ; 
And  heav'n  shall  pour  its  beams  around, 
Till  the  ripe  harvest  load  the  ground. 

5.  Then  shall  the  trembling  mourner  come, 
And  find  his  sheaves  and  bring  them  home  ; 
The  voice,  long  broke  with  sighs,  shall  sing, 
'Till  heav'n  with  hallelujahs  ring. 

HYMN  464    i    m. 

1.  "VTY  God,  whose  all-pervading  eve 

-i-'A  Views  earth  beneath,  and  heav'n  above  : 
"Witness,  if  here  or  there  thou  seest 
An  object  of  mine  equal  love. 

2.  Not  the  gay  scenes,  where  mortal  men 

Pursue  their  bliss  and  find  their  wo, 

Detain  my  rising  heart,  which  springs 

The  nobler  joys  of  heav'n  to  view. 

3.  Fix'd  near  th'  immortal  seat  of  bliss, 

Dauntless,  and  joyous,  it  surveys 
Each  form  of  horror  and  distress, 

That  all  its  deadliest  foes  can  raise, 
i.  This  feeble  flesh  shall  faint  ami  die, 

This  heart  renew  its  pulse  no  more  ; 
Ev'n  now  it  views  the  moment  nigh, 

When  life's  last  movements  all  are  o'er. 
5.  Hut  come,  thou  vanquish 'd  King  of  dread 

With  thy  own  hand  thy  pow'r  destroy, 
Tifl  thine  to  bear  me  to  my  God, 

My  portion,  my  eternal  joy. 

HYMN  46.5   o.  m. 

1.  ryMIE  evils  that  beset  our  path, 
J     Who  can  prevent  or  cure  j3 
\\  -   -tand  upon  the  brink  of  death. 
When  most  we  seem  secure. 


THE  TROUBLES  OF  LIFE.  2C3 

2.  If  we  to-day  sweet  peace  possess, 
It  soon  must  be  withdrawn  ; 
Some  change  may  plunge  us  in  distress. 
Before  to-morrow's  dawn. 
i.  Disease  and  pain  invade  our  health, 
And  find  an  easy  prey  ; 
And  oft,  when  least  expected,  wealth 
Takes  wings  and  flies  awa) . 
4.  Since  sin  has  fill'd  the  world  with  wo, 
And  creatures  fade  and  die ; 
Lord  !  wean  our  hearts  from  things  below, 
And  fix  our  hopes  on  high  ! 

HYMN  466    i-  u. 

l.\JI7"EARY  of  these  low  scenes  of  ni^ht, 
*  »     My  fainting  heart  grows  sick  of  time, 
Sighs  for  the  dawn  of  sweet  delight, 
Sighs  for  a  distant  happier  clime. 

2.  'Tis  just,  'tis  right:  thus  he  ordains, 

AY  ho  form'd  this  animated  clod; 
That  needful  cares,  instructive  pains, 
May  bring  the  restless  heart  to  God. 

3.  In  him,  my  soul  !  behold  thy  rest; 

Nor  hope  for  bliss  below  the  sky. 
Come,  resignation,  to  my  breast, 

And  silence  ev'ry  plaintive  sigh, 
i.  Then  cheerful  shall  my  heart  survey 

The  toils  and  dangers  of  the  road  ; 
And  patient  keep  the  heav'nly  way, 

Which  leads  me  homeward  to  my  God. 

HYMN  467    c.  m. 

1.  p  HEAT  Uuler  of  all  nature's  frame, 
^-*    We  own  thy  pow'r  divine  ; 
\Ye  hear  thy  breath  in  ev'ry  storm, 
For  all  the  winds  are  thine. 
'  \\  ide  as  they  sweep  their  sounding  way. 
They  work  thy  sov'reign  will  ; 
And  aw'd  by  thy  majestic  voice, 
-ion  shall  be  still. 


pine 


264  THE  TROUBLES  OF  LIFE. 

3.  Thy  mercy  tempers  ev'ry  blast 

To  those  who  seek  thy  face ; 
And  mingles,  with  the  tempest's  roar. 
The  whispers  of  thy  grace. 

4.  Let  me  those  gentle  Avhispers  hear, 

'Till  all  the  tumult  cease  ; 
Sleep  in  thine  arms,  and  wake  in  realm  - 
Of  everlasting  peace  ! 

HVMN  468   l.  m. 

1.  1V/TY  God,  my  hope  !  if  thou  art  mine, 
-*•*-*■  Why  should  my  soul  with  sorrow 
On  thee  alone  I  east  my  care  : 
O  leave  me  not  in  dark  despair. 

2.  Though  ev'ry  comfort  should  depart, 
And  life  forsake  this  drooping  heart ; 
One  smile  from  thee,  one  blissful  r&j  . 
Can  chase  the  shades  of  death  away. 

3.  My  God,  my  Life  !  if  thou  appear, 
Not  death  itself  can  make  me  fear. 
Thy  presence  cheers  the  sable  gloom. 
And  gilds  the  horrors  of  the  tomb. 

4.  Not  all  its  horrors  can  affright, 

If  thou  appear,  my  God,  my  light ! 
Thy  love  shall  all  my  fears  control. 
And  glory  dawn  around  my  soul. 

HVMX  469.  i..  m. 

1.  OHOULD  famine  o'er  the  mourning  field 
^   Extend  her  desolating  reign, 

Nor  spring  her  blooming  beauties  yield. 
Nor  autumn  swell  the  fruitful  grain; 

2.  Should  lowing  herds,  and  bleating  sheep 

Around  their  famish'd  muster  die  ; 
And  hope  itself  despairing  weep, 
While  life  deplores  its  last  supph 

3.  Amid  the  dark,  the  deatbful  scene, 

If  I  can  say,  the  1  *<>yi\  is  mine  ! 
The  joy  shall  triumph  o'er  the-  pain, 
And  glory  dawn,  though  life  decline 


THE  TROUBLES  OF  LIFE.  265 

4.  The  God  of  my  salvation  lives  ; 

My  nobler  life  he  will  sustain  ; 
His  word  immortal  vigour  chives, 
Nor  shall  my  glorious  hopes  be  vain. 

5.  Thy  presence,  Lord,  can  cheer  my  heart. 

Though  ev'ry  earthly  comfort  die; 
Thy  snide  can  bid  my  pains  depart, 
And  raise  my  sacred  pleasures  high. 

0.  O  let  me  hear  thy  blissful  voice, 

Inspiring  life  and  joys  divine  ! 

The  barren  desert  shall  rejoice  ; 

Til  paradise,  if  thou  art  mine. 

HYMN  470    s.  m. 

1 .  T  ORD,  in  this  vale  of  tears, 

•*-*   What  various  woes  we  feel  ! 
Diseases,  pains,  and  doubts,  and  fears, 
Surround  thy  children  still. 

2-.  What  dangers  fill  the  road  ! 

What  storms,  and  tempests  roar  ! 
But  we  march  onward  to  our  God, 
And  trust  his  guardian  pow'r. 
3.  No  lasting  comfort's  found 

Through  this  long  wilderness: 
But  when  we  reach  the  heav'nly  ground, 
Pleasures  shall  never  cease. 
\.  Support  us  in  the  way, 

Lord  !  let  our  faith  be  strong ; 
Direct  our  footsteps,  lest  we  stray, 
And  guard  our  souls  along. 
5.  Death  shall  convey  us  home; 
Thither  our  hearts  aspire  : 
There  no  disease  shall  ever  come, 
But  joy  shall  be  entire. 

HYMN  471.  l.  m. 

I    f  I  MIOU,  Lord,  through  ev'ry  changing  scene,, 
-■-    Hast  to  thy  saints  a  refuge  been  : 
Through  ev'ry  age,  eternal  God, 
Their  pleasing  home,  their  safe  abode, 
Z 


266  DEATH. 

l2.  Lo,  we  are  ris'n,  a  feeble  race, 
Awhile  to  fill  our  father's  place  : 
Our  helpless  state  with  pity  view, 
And  let  us  share  their  refuge  too. 

3.  Through  all  the  thorny  paths  we  trace 
In  this  uncertain  wilderness, 

When  friends  desert,  and  foes  invade, 
Revive  our  heart  and  guard  our  head. 

4.  So,  when  this  pilgrimage  is  o'er, 
And  we  shall  dwell  in  flesh  no  more, 
To  thee  our  sep'rate  souls  shall  come, 
And  find  in  thee  a  surer  home. 


XXVII. 
DEATH. 

HYMX  472.  c.  m. 

1.  XT  ARK  !  from  the  tombs  a  doleful  soul 
-*--*-  My  ears  attend  the  cry : 

"Ye  living  men,  come,  view  the  ground, 
"Where  you  must  shortly  lie. 

2.  "Princes,  this  clay  must  be  your  bed, 

"In  spite  of  all  your  tow'rs  ! 
"The  tall,  the  wise,  the  rev'rend  head, 
"Must  lie  as  low  as  our's." 

3.  Great  God  !  is  this  our  certain  doom  } 

And  are  we  still  secure  ? 
Still  walking  downward  to  the  tomb, 
And  yet  prepare  no  more  ! 

4.  Grant  us  the  pow'r  of  quick'ning  g 

To  fit  our  souls  to  fly  : 
Then,  when  we  drop  this  dying  flesh, 
We'll  rise  above  the  sky. 

HYMN  478.  cm. 

1.  HPEACH  me  the  measure  of  mj 
-*-     Thou  Maker  of  my  frame  ! 
]  would  survey  life's  narrow  space, 
And  learn  how  frail  I  %m. 


DEATH,  267 

2.  A  span  is  all  that  we  can  boast ; 

A  fleeting  hour  of  time. 
Man  is  but  vanity  and  dust, 
In  all  his  flow  r'r  and  prime. 

3.  See  the  vain-race  of  mortals  move, 

Like  shadows  o'er  the  plain  : 
They  rage  and  strive,  desire  and  love. 
But  all  the  noise  is  vain. 

4.  Some  walk  in  honour's  gaudy  show  ; 

Some  dig  for  golden  ore  ; 
They  toil  for  heirs  they  know  not  who, 
And  straight  arc:  seen  no  more. 

5.  What  should  I  wish  or  wait  for  then, 

From  creatures,  earth  and  dust  ? 
They  make  our  expectations  vain, 
And  disappoint  our  trust. 

6.  Now  I  resign  my  earthly  hope, 

My  fond  desires  recall ; 
I  give  my  mortal  int'rest  up, 
And  make  my  God  my  all. 

HYMN  474   c.  m. 

1.  HPHEE  we  adore,  eternal  name  ! 

-*-     And  humbly  own  to  thee. 

How  feeble  is  on:  mortal  frame, 

What  dying  worms  are  we. 

2.  Our  wasting  lives  are  short 'ning  still, 

As  months  and  days  increase  ; 
And  cv'ry  heating  pulse  we  tell 
Leaves  but  the  number  less. 

3.  Dangers  stand  thick  through  all  the  ground; 

To  push  us  to  the  tomb  ; 
And  fierce  diseases  wait  around, 
To  hurry  mortals  home. 
1.  Goo<I  God !  on  what  a  slender  thread, 
Bung  everlasting  things; 
Th'  eternal  states  of  all  the  dead, 
Upon  life's  feeble  strings. 
5.  Vet  while  a  world  of  joy  or  wo 
Depend!  on  ev'ry  breath, 


361  DEATH. 

Thoughtless  and  unconcern'd  we  go 

Upon  the  brink  of  death. 
6.  Waken,  O  Lord  !  our  drowsy  sense, 

To  walk  this  dang'rous  road  ; 
And  if  onr  souls  are  hurried  hence, 

May  they  be  found  with  God  ! 

HYMN  475    i-  m. 

t.  nPHAT  awful  hour  will  soon  appear, 
-*-    Swift  on  the  wings  of  time  it  flies, 
When  all  that  pains  or  pleases  here, 
Will  vanish  from  my  closing  eyes. 

2.  Death  calls  my  friends,  my  neighbours  hence 

And  none  resist  tbe  fatal  dart. 
Continual  warnings  strike  my  sense: 
And  shall  they  fail  to  strike  my  heart  ; 

3.  Think,  O  my  soul !  how  much  depends 

On  the  short  period  of  to-day  : 
Shall  time,  which  heav'n  in  mercy  lends, 
Be  negligently  thrown  away  ? 

4.  Thy  remnant  minutes  strive  to  use  ; 

Awake,  rouse  ev'ry  active  pow'r; 
And  not  in  dreams  and  trifles  lose 
This  little,  this  important  hour  ! 

5.  Lord  of  my  life,  inspire  my  heart 

With  heav'nly  ardour,  grace  divine  ; 
Nor  let  thy  presence  e'er  depart, 

For  strength,  and  life,  and  deatli  are  Urine 

6.0  teach  me  the  celestial  skill, 
\         Each  awful  warning  to  improve  ; 
\  And,  while  my  days  are  shortening  still. 
Prepare  me  for  the  joys  above  ! 

HYMN  476    s.  m. 

1.  TTOW  swiff  the  torrent  rolls, 
-"-  That  bears  us  to  the  sea  ! 

The  tide  that  bears  out  thoughtless  souls 
To  vast  eternit)  ! 

2.  Our  Fathers,  where  arc  they, 

With  all  they  eall'd  their  own  ? 


DEATH.  269 

Their  joys  and  griefs,  and  hopes  and  cares, 
And  wealth  and  honour,  gone. 

3.  There,  where  the  fathers  lie, 

Must  all  the  children  dwell  5 
Nor  other  heritage  possess, 
But  such  a  gloomy  cell. 

4.  God  of  our  Fathers  !  hear, 

Thou  everlasting  friend  ! 
While  we,  as  on  IhVs  utmost  verge, 
Our  souls  to  thee  commend. 

5.  Of  all  the  pious  dead 

May  we  the  footsteps  tract  ; 
'Till  with  them,  in  the  land  of  light, 
We  dwell  before  thy  face. 

HYMN  477.  l.  m. 

1.  TOEHOLD  the  path  which  mortals  tread 
-*-*  Down  to  the  regions  of  the  dead  ! 
Nor  will  the  fleeting  moments  stay, 
jjfar  can  we  measure  buck  our  way. 

2.  Our  kindred  and  our  friends  are  gone  ; 
Know,  ()  my  soul,  this  doom  thy  own. 
Feeble  as  theirs  thy  mortal  frame, 
The  same  thy  way,  thy  home  the  s 

'.  Fom  vital  air,  from  cheerful  light, 
To  the  cold  grave's  perpetual  night, — 
From  scenes  of  duty,  means  of  grace. 
.Must  I  to  God's  tribunal  pass  ! 

4.  Awake,  my  soul !  thy  way  prepai  e, 
And  lose  in  this  each  meaner  care; 
With  steady  feet  that  path  be  trod, 
Which,  thro'  the  grave,  conducts  to  God, 

1.  Father !  to  thee  my  all  I  trust ; 
And,  if  my  flesh  return  to  dust, 
Tis  thy  decree,  I  bless  thy  hand, 
And  die  re  sign 'd  to  thy  command. 

HYMN  478.  l.  m. 

1.  (^1(^  of  eternity  !  from  thee 
"  Did  infant  time  his  being  draw: 

Z2 


270  DEATH. 

Moments  and  days,  and  months  and  years. 
Revolve,  by  thy  unvaried  law. 

2.  Silent  and  slow  they  glide  away  ; 

Steady  and  strong  the  current  tlows ; 
Lost  in  eternity's  wide  sea, 

The  boundless  gulph  from  which  it  rose. 

3.  Thoughtless  and  vain,  our  mortal  race 

Along  the  mighty  stream  are  borne 
On  to  their  everlasting  home,— 
That  country  whence  there's  no  return. 

4.  Yet  while  the  shore  on  either  side 

Presents  a  gaudy  flatt'ring  show, 
We  gaze,  in  fond  amazement  lost, 
Nor  think  to  what  a  world  we  go. 

5.  Great  source  of  wisdom  !  teach  my  heart. 

To  know  the  price  of  ev'ry  hour  ; 
That  time  may  bear  me  on  to  joys 
Beyond  its  measure  and  its  pow'r. 

HYMN  479.  s.  m. 

i.  npHE  swift  declining  day, 
A    How  fast  its  moments  fly  ! 
While  ev'ning's  broad  and  gloomy  shade 
Spreads  o'er  the  western  sky. 
2.  Ye  mortals  !  mark  its  pace  ; 
Improve  the  hours  of  light ; 
And  know,  your  Maker  can  command 
An  instantaneous  night. 
J.  His  word  blots  out  the  sun 
In  ks  meridian  blaze, 
And  cuts  from  smiling  vig'rous  youth 
The  remnant  of  its  days, 
i.  On  the  dark  mountain's  brow 
Your  feet  shall  quickly  slide; 
And  from  its  airy  summit  dash 
Your  momentary  pride. 
5.  Give  glory  to  the  Lord, 

Who  rules  the  rolling  sphere  ; 
Submissive  at  his  footstool  bow, 
And  seek  salvation  there. 


DEATH.  271 

G.  One  thing  demands  your  care  : 
O  be  it  still  pursu'd  ! 
Lest,  slighted  once,  the  season  fair 
Should  never  be  renew'd. 

HYMN  480.  s    m. 

1.  rpO-MORROYV,  Lord,  is  thine, 

J-     Lodg'd  in  thy  sov'reign  hand  ; 
And  it' its  sun  arise  and  shine, 
It  shines  by  thy  command. 

2.  Our  moments  fly  apace, 

Nor  will  a  minute  stay : 
Just  like  a  flood  our  hasty  days 
Are  sweeping  us  away. 

3.  Well,  if  our  days  must  fly, 

We'll  keep  their  end  in  sight ; 
AVe'll  spend  them  al!  in  wisdom's  way, 
And  let  them  speed  their  flight. 

4.  They'll  waft  us  sooner  o'er 

This  life's  tempestuous  sea: 
Soon  we  shall  reach  the  peaceful  shore 
Of  blest  eternity. 

HYMN  481    l.  m. 

1.  rTMIE  morning  flow'rs  display  their  sweets, 

-*-     And  gay  their  silken  leaves  unfold, 
As  careless  of  the  noon-day  heats, 
And  fearless  of  the  ev'ning  cold. 

2.  Nipt  by  the  wind's  untimely  blast, 

Parch  M  by  the  sun's  director  ray, 
The  momentary  glories  waste, 
The  short  liv'd  beauties  die  away. 

3.  So  blooms  the  human  face  divine, 

When  youth  its  pride  and  beauty  shows; 
Fairer  than  spring  the  colours  shine, 
And  sweeter  than  the  virgin  rose. 

4.  Or  worn  by  slowly  rolling  years, 

Or  broke  by  sickness  in  a  day, 
The  fading  glory  disappears, 
The  short-liv'd  beauties  die  a^ay. 


272  DEATH. 

5.  Yet  these,  new-rising  from  the  tomb, 
With  lustre  brighter  far  shall  shine  ; 
Revive  with  ever-during  bloom, 
Safe  from  diseases  and  decline. 
f>.  Let  sickness  blast  and  death  devour, 

If  heav'n  must  recompence  our  pains ; 
Perish  the  grass,  and  fade  the  flow'r, 
If  firm  the  word  of  God  remains. 

HYMN  482.  cm. 

1.  /~|UR  God  !  our  help  in  ages  past, 
^■J  Our  hope  for  years  to  come, 
Our  shelter  from  the  stormy  blast, 

And  our  eternal  home  ! 

2.  Before  the  hills  in  order  stood, 

Or  earth  receiv'd  her  frame, 
From  everlasting  thou  art  God, 
To  endless  years  the  same  ! 

3.  Thy  word  commands  our  flesh  to  dust, 

"Return,  ye  sons  of  men." 
All  nations  rose  from  earth  at  first, 
And  turn  to  earth  again. 

4.  The  busy  tribes  of  flesh  and  blood. 

With  all  their  hopes  and  fears, 
Are  carried  downwards  by  the  flood. 

And  lost  in  foil 'wing  years. 
(y.  Our  God  !  our  help  in  ages  past, 

Our  hope  for  years  to  come  ! 
Be  thou  our  guard,  while  troubles 

And  our  eternal  home. 

HYMN  483-  cm. 

1.  T  ORD  !  we  adore  thy  wondrous  name  ; 
■"  And  make  that  name  our  trust, 
Which  rais'd  at  first  this  curious  frame 
From  mean  and  lifeless  dust. 
%  Awhile  these  frail  machines  endure. 
The  fabric  of  a  day  ; 
Then,  know  their  vital  pow'rs  no  more. 
But  moulder  back  to  cUr? 


DEATH. 

3.  Yet,  Lord  !  whate'cr  is  felt  or  feard, 

This  thought  is  our  repose, 
That  he,  by  whom  our  frame  was  rear'd, 
Its  vai'ious  frailties  knows. 

4.  Thou  view'st  us  with  a  pitying  eye, 

Whilst  struggling  with  our  load  ; 
In  pains  and  dangers  thou  art  nigh, 
Our  Father,  and  our  God. 

5.  Gently  supported  by  thy  love, 

We  tend  to  realms  of  peace  ; 
Where  ev'ry  pain  shall  far  remove. 
And  ev'ry  weakness  cease. 

HYMN  484    s.  m. 

1.  "OEHOLD  the  gloomy  vale, 

-*-*  Which  thou,  my  soul,  must  tread, 
Beset  with  terrors  fierce  and  pale, 
That  leads  thee  to  the  dead. 

2.  Ye  pleasing  scenes,  adieu  ! 

Whieh  1  so  long  have  known. 
My  friends,  a  long  farewell  to  you  ; 
For  I  must  pass  alone. 

3.  But  see  !  a  ray  of  light, 

With  splendours  all  divine, 
Breaks  through  these  dreary  realms  of  night. 
Aud  makes  its  horrors  shine. 

4.  Where  death,  where  darkness  reigns, 

Jehovah  is  my  stay  ; 
His  rod  my  trembling  feet  sustains, 
His  staff  defends  my  way. 

5.  Great  Shepherd  !  lead  me  on  ; 

My  soul  disdains  to  fear. 
Death's  gloomy  phantoms  all  are  flown, 
Now  life's  great  Lord  is  near. 

HYMN  48-5.  cm. 

j.  TJ^W  still  and  peaceful  is  the  grave  ! 
-*--*-  Where  life's  vain  tumults  past, 
Th'  appointed  house,  by  heav'ns  decree. 
Receives  us  all  at  last. 


274  DEATH. 

2.  The  wicked  there  from  troubling  cease  ; 
There  passions  rage  no  more  ; 
And  there  the  weary  pilgrim  rests 
From  all  the  toils  he  bore. 
X.  There  rest  the  pris'ners,  now  releas'd 
From  slav'ry's  sad  abode  ; 
No  more  they  hear  th'  oppressor's  voice, 
Or  dread  the  tyrant's  rod. 

4.  There  servants,  masters,  small  and  great, 

Partake  the  same  repose ; 
And  there,  in  peace,  the  ashes  mix 
Of  those  who  once  were  foes. 

5.  All,  levell'd  by  the  hand  of  death. 

Lie  sleeping  in  the  tomb  ; 
'Till  God,  in  judgment,  call  them  forth, 
To  meet  their  righteous  doom. 

HYMN  486.  c.  m. 

1.  A  WAKE,  ye  saints  !  and  raise  your  eyes, 
-£*•  And  raise  your  voices  high  : 
Awake,  and  praise  your  Maker's  love, 

Which  shows  salvation  nigh. 

2.  Swift  on  the  wings  of  time  it  (lies  ; 

Each  moment  brings  it  near  ; 
Then  welcome  each  declining  day, 

Welcome  each  closing  year. 
3. Not  many  years  their  round  shall  run, 

Nor  many  mornings  rise, 
Ere  all  its  glories  stand  reveal 'd 

To  our  admiring  eyes. 
4.  Ye  wheels  of  nature  !  speed  your  cour 

Ye  mortal  pow'rs  !  decay  : 
Sure  as  ye  bring  the  night  of  death, 

Ye  bring  eternal  day. 

HYMN  487-  c.  m. 

J.  \\7  H1LE  to  the  grave  our  friends  are  borne. 
*  *     Around  their  cold  remains, 
How  all  the  tender  passions  mourn, 
\nd  each  fond  heart  complains  ! 


DEATH.  275 

2.  But  down  to  earth,  alas  !  in  vain 

We  bend  our  weeping  eyes. 
Ah!  let  us  leave  these  scats  of  pain, 
And  upwards  learn  to  rise. 

3.  Hope  cheerful  smiles  amid  the  gloom, 

And  beams  a  healing  ray  ; 
And  guides  us  from  the  darksome  tomb, 
To  realms  of  endless  day. 

4.  To  those  bright  courts  w  hen  hope  ascend.- 

She  calms  the  swelling  wo  ; 
In  hope  we  meet  our  happy  friends, 
And  tears  forget  to  flow. 

5.  Then  let  our  hearts  repine  no  more, 

That  earthly  comfort  dies; 

But  lasting  happiness  explore, 

And  ask  it  from  the  skies. 

HYMN  488    o.  M. 

1.  VX7HEN  death  appears  before  my  sigh' 
*  *      In  all  his  dire  array  ; 
Unequal  to  the  dreadful  fight, 
My  courage  dies  away. 

'-MIow  shall  I  meet  this  potent  foe, 
Whose  frown  my  soul  alarms  ? 
Dark  horror  sits  upon  his  brow, 
And  vict'ry  waits  his  arms. 
3.  But  see  my  glorious  Leader  nigh  ! 
Jesus,  my  Saviour,  lives  : 
Before  him  death's  pale  terrors  fly, 
And  my  faint  heart  revives. 
\.  O  may  I  meet  the  final  hour 
With  fortitude  divine  ! 
Sostain'd  by  God's  almighty  pow'r, 
The  conquest  must  be  mine. 
5.  Lord  !  I  commit  my  soul  to  thee  : 
Accept  the  sacred  trust ; 
Receive  this  nobler  part  of  me, 
And  watch  my  sleeping  dust. 
G.  O  let  me  join  angelic  lays, 
And  Mith  the  blissful  throng, 


$70  DEATH. 

Resound  salvation,  pow'r,  and  praise, 
In  everlasting  song ! 

HYMN  489.  l.  m. 

t.  "1ITHKN  all  the  pow'rs  of  nature  tail, 

*  »     When  sickness  shall  my  heart  assail, 
Shall  ev'ry  nobler  part  pervade, 

And  ev'ry  earthly  wish  shall  fade  : 

2.  When  pain,  of  ev'ry  nerve  possest, 
Shall  vibrate  in  ray  throbbing  breast ; 
And  languor  o'er  my  senses  steal, 
And  med'cine  lose  its  pow'r  to  heal : 

3.  When  my  dim  eyes  are  sunk  in  death, 
And  God,  who  gave,  shall  take  my  breath: 
Do  thou  sustain  my  fainting  heart, 

And  comfort  to  my  soul  impart. 

4.  May  thy  bright  presence  bring  relief 
From  fear,  despondency,  and  grief; 
Thy  cheering  voice  direct  my  way 
To  regions  of  eternal  day  ! 

HYMN  490.  p.  M. 

i.  "\TTHEN  life's  tempestuous  storms  are  o'er, 

*  *    How  calm  he  meets  the  friendly  shore. 
Who  liv'd  averse  from  sin  ! 

Such  peace  on  virtue's  path  attends, 
That,  where  the  sinner's  pleasure  ends, 

The  christian's  joys  begin. 
2.  See  smiling  patience  smooth  his  brow  ' 
See  bending  angels  downwards  bow, 

To  lift  his  soul  on  high  ! 
While,  eager  for  the  blest  abode, 
He  joins  with  them  to  praise  the  God, 

Who  taught  him  how  to  die. 

5.  No  sorrow  drowns  his  lifted  eves; 
No  horror  wrests  the  struggling  sighs, 

As  from  the  sinner's  breast  I 
His  God,  the  God  of  peace  and  love, 
Pours  kindly  solace  from  above, 

And  heals  his  son!  with 


DEATH.  277 

4.  O  grant,  my  Saviour  and  my  friend  ! 

Such  joys  may  gild  my  peaceful  end, 

So  calm  my  ev  'ning  close ; 
While,  loos'd  from  ev'ry  earthly  tie, 
With  steady  confidence  I  fly 

To  thee  from  whom  1  rose  I 

HYMN  491.  c.  m. 

1.  TTARK  !  from  on  high  a  solemn  voice  ; 
-"-  Let  all  attentive  hear  ! 

'Twill  make  each  pious  heart  rejoice, 
And  vanquish  ev'ry  fear. 

2.  "  Thrice  blessed  are  the  pious  dead, 

Who  in  the  Lord  shall  die ; 
Their  weary  flesh,  as  on  a  bed, 

Safe  in  the  grave  shall  lie. 
3. "  Their  holy  souls,  at  length  releas'd  ; 

To  heav'n  shall  take  their  flight ; 
There  to  enjoy  eternal  rest. 

And  infinite  delight, 
■i. "They  drop  each  load  as  they  ascend, 

And  quit  this  world  of  wo  ; 
Their  labours  with  their  lives  shall  end, 

Their  rest  no  period  know. 

5.  "  Their  conflicts  with  their  busy  foes 

For  evermore  shall  cease  ; 
None  shall  their  happiness  oppose, 
Nor  interrupt  their  peace. 

6.  "  But  bright  rewards  shall  recompense 

Their  faithful  service  here  ; 
And  perfect  love  shall  banish  thence 
Each  gloomy  doubt  and  fear." 

HYMN  492.  l.  m. 

The  dying  Christian. 
t.  rT,HE  hour  of  my  departure's  come  ; 
*-    I  hear  the  voice  that  calls  me  home  . 
At  last,  O  Lord  !  let  trouble  cease, 
And  let  thy  servant  die  in  peace. 
2.  The  race  appointed  1  have  run  : 
The  combat's  o'er,  the  prize  is  won  ; 
Aa 


278  DEATH. 

And  now  my  witness  is  on  high, 
And  now  my  record's  in  the  sky. 

3.  Not  in  mine  innocence  I  trust ; 
I  bow  before  thee  in  the  dust ; 
And  through  my  Saviour's  blood  alone, 
I  look  for  mercy  at  thy  throne. 

i.  I  leave  the  world  without  a  tear, 
Save  for  the  friends  1  held  so  dear. 
To  heal  their  sorrow,  Lord,  descend, 
And  to  the  friendless  prove  a  friend. 

5. 1  come,  I  come  at  thy  command ; 
I  give  my  spirit  to  thy  hand  ; 
Stretch  forth  thine  everlasting  arms, 
And  shield  me  In  the  last  alarms  ! 

G.  The  hour  of  my  departure's  come ; 
I  hear  the  voice  that  calls  me  home  : 
Now,  O  my  God  !  let  trouble  cease. 
Now  let  thy  servant  die  in  peace; 

HYMN  498    p.  it; 

1.  T7TTAL  spark  of  heav'nly  flame, 

*    Quit,  O  quit  this  mortal  frame  ! 
Trembling,  hoping,  ling'ring,  flying : 
O  the  pain,  the  bliss  of  dying  ! 
Cease,  fond  nature,  cease  thy  strife, 
And  let  me  languish  into  life. 

2.  Hark  !  they  whisper ;  angels  say, 
"  Sister  spirit,  come  away." 
What  is  this  absorbs  me  quite, 
Steals  my  senses,  shuts  my  sight, 
Drowns  my  spirit,  draws  my  breath  } 
Tell  me,  my  soul,  can  this  be  death  } 

3.  The  world  recedes ;  it  disappears. 
Heav'n  opens  on  my  eyes  ;  my  ears 
With  sounds  seraphic  ring. 

Lend,  lend  your  wings  :  1  mount,  I  fly 
()  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  ? 
O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  > 


RESURRECTION.  279 

XXVIII. 
RESURRECTION 

HYMN  494.  p.  m. 

J.  INTERNAL  God  !  how  frail  is  man  ! 
J-^   How  tew  his  hours,  how  short  his  span 

Short,  from  the  cradle  to  the  grate. 
Who  can  secure  Ins  vital  breath 
Against  the  bold  demands  of  death. 

With  skill  to  fly  or  pow'r  to  save  ? 
-2.  But  siiali  it,  therefore,  Lord  !  be  said, 
The  race  of  man  was  only  made 

For  sickness,  sorrow,  and  the  dust  ? 
Or  if  thy  servants,  day  by  day 
Sink  to  their  graves  and  turn  to  clay, 

Thou  hast  no  kindness  for  the  just  ! 
1  fast  thou  not  given  to  thy  Son 
Vn  endless  life,  a  Keav'nly  crown  ? 

Why  then  should  flesh  and  sense  despair  ? 
For  ever  blessed  be  the  Lord, 
That  we  can  read  his  holy  word, 

And  find  a  resurrection  there. 
t   For  ever  blessed  be  the  Lord, 
Who  gives  his  saints  a  long  reward 

For  all  their  toil,  reproach,  and  pain. 
Let  all  below  and  all  above 
Join  to  proclaim  thy  wondrous  love, 

And  each  repeat  their  loud  "  Amen." 

HYMN  495.  cm. 

I.  l-JOW  lon^  shall  death,  the  tyrant,  reign, 
-"  And  triumph  o'er  the  just, 
While  the  rich  blood  of  martyrs  slain 
Lies  mingled  with  the  dust? 
\  Lo  !  I  behold  the  scatterM  shades  ! 
The  dawn  ofheav'n  appears: 
The  sweet,  immortal  morning  spreads 
ihei  round  the  spheres. 


480  RESURRECTION. 

3. 1  hear  the  voice,  "  ye  dead  arise," 
And  lo  !  the  graves  obey  ; 
And  Making  saints  with  joyful  eyes 
Salute  th'  expected  day. 

4.  They  leave  the  dust,  and  on  the  wing 

Rise  to  the  mid-way  air ; 
In  shining  garments  meet  their  King, 
Andlmw  before  him  there. 

5.  0  may  our  humble  spirits  stand 

Among  them  cloth'd  in  white  ! 
The  meanest  place  at  his  right  hand 
Is  infinite  delight. 

HYMN  496    l.  m. 

1.  T^ATILER  of  all !  my  soul  defend  : 

-F    On  thee  my  steadfast  hopes  depend. 
Thee  let  me  bless,  the  faithful  guide, 
Whose  counsels  o'er  my  life  preside. 

2.  Though  to  the  grave  I  must  descend, 
(For  thus  has  heav'n's  high  will  ordain'd) 
Yet  hope  e'en  there,  my  constant  guest, 
Shall  smooth  the  pillow  of  my  rest. 

5.  Though  death  awhile  reign  o'er  my  frame, 
Thou  from  the  grave  my  life  wilt  claim  ; 
And,  to  my  eyes,  in  full  survey, 
The  op'ning  paths  of  life  display  ; 

i.  Those  paths  that  to  thy  presence  bear; 
For  plenitude  of  bliss  is  there  ; 
And  pleasure's  streams,  unmix'd  with  wo, 
At  thy  right  hand  for  ever  How. 

HYMN  497  i    m. 

1.  ATT HAT  sinners  value,  1  resign  : 

*  ^    Lord  !  'tis  enough,  that  thou  art  mine  ! 
I  shall  behold  thy  blissful  face, 
And  stand  complete  in  righteousness. 

"2.  This  life's  a  dream,  an  empty  show  ; 
But  the  bright  world,  to  which  1  go, 
Hath  joys  substantial  and  sincere: 
When  shall  1  wake  and  find  me  there  ' 


RESURRECTION.  281 

3.  O  glorious  hour  !  O  blest  abode  ! 

I  shall  be  near,  and  like  my  God ; 

And  flesh  and  sin  no  more  control 

The  sacred  pleasures  of  the  soul, 
i.  My  flesh  shall  slumber  in  the  ground, 

'Till  the  last  trumpet's  joyful  sound  ; 

Then  burst  the  chains  with  sweet  surprise, 

And  in  my  Saviour's  image  rise. 

HYMN  498-  t.  m. 

1,  "VTO,  I'll  repine  at  deatli  no  more: 
-^    But,  calm  and  cheerful,  will  resign 
To  the  cold  dungeon  of  the  grave, 

These  dying,  with 'ring  limbs  of  mine. 
worms  devour  my  wasting  flesh, 

And  crumble  all  my  hones  to  dust: 
My  God  shall  raise  my  frame  anew 

At  the  revival  of  the  just. 
Break,  sacred  morning  !  through  the  skies, 

And  usher  in  that  glorious  day. 
Come  quickly,  Lord  !  cut  short  the  hours: 

Thy  iing'ring  wheels,  how  long  they  stay  ! 

HYMN  199.  s.  m. 

VNl)  must  this  body  die  I 
This  well-wrought  frame  decay  ? 
A'i'l  must  these  act.ve  limbs  of  mine 
Lie  mould'ring  in  the  clay  ! 
I,  God,  my  Redeemer,  lives, 
And  ever  from  the  skies 
Looks  down,  and  watches  all  my  dust, 
Till  he  shall  bid  me  rise. 
I,  Array  VI  in  glorious  grace, 
Shall  all  his  servants  shine; 
And,  fashion'd  like  their  risen  head 
He  heav'nly  and  divine. 
i  These  lively  hopes  we  owe 
To  Jesus'  dying  love  : 
O  ma\   we  bless  his  grate  below. 
Ami  sincr  his  grace  above  ! 
\ '  i  -J 


-JS2  JUDGMENT  AND  END 

XXJX. 

JUDGMENT  AND  END  OF 

THE  WORLD. 

HYMN  500.  c  m. 

3.  TTEAVN  has  confirm 'd  the  great  decree 
-t  J-  That  Adam's  race  must  die  : 
One  gen'ral  ruin  sweeps  them  down, 
And  low  in  dust  they  lie. 

2.  Ye  living  men,  the  tomb  survey, 

Where  you  must  quickly  dwell. 
Hark,  how  the  awful  summons  sounds 
In  ev'ry  fun'ral  knell  ! 

3.  Once  you  must  die,  and  once  for  all : 

The  solemn  purport  weigh  ; 
For  know  that  heav'n  and  hell  are  hung 

On  that  important  clay, 
i.  Those  eyes,  so  long  in  darkness  veil'd, 

Must  wake,  the  judge  to  see  ; 
And  ev'ry  word,  and  ev'ry  thought 

Must  pass  his  scrutiny. 
5.  O  may  I  in  the  Judge  behold 

My  Saviour  and  my  friend  ; 
And  far  beyond  the  reach  of  death 

With  all  his  saints  ascend. 

HYMN  501.  l.  m. 

1.  "VTY  waken'd  soul,  extend  thy  wings 
-L*-*-  Beyond  the  verge  of  mortal  things; 
See  this  vain  world  in  smoke  decay, 
And  rocks  and  mountains  melt  away. 

l2.  Behold  the  fiery  deluge  roll 

Through  hcav'ns  wide  arch  from  pole  to  pole  T 
Pale  sun,  no  more  thy  lustre  boast; 
Tremble  and  fall,  ye  Btarry  host. 

},  The  wreck  of  nature  all  around, 
The  angel's  shout,  the  trumpet's  sound, 


OF  THE  WORLD,  283 

Loud  the  descending  Judge  proclaim, 
And  echo  his  tremendous  name. 

4.  Children  of  Adam,  all  appear 
With  rev'rence  round  bis  awful  bar; 
For,  as  his  lips  pronounce,  ye  go 
To  endless  bliss  or  unknown  wo. 

5.  Lord  !  to  my  eves  the  scene  display, 
Frequent  through  each  returning  day  : 
And  let  thy  grace  my  soul  prepare 
To  meet  its  full  redemption  there  ! 

HYMN  502    c  m. 

1.  npHE  day  approaches,  O  my  soul ' 

-1    The  great  decisive  day, 
Which  from  the  verge  of  mortal  lift  - 
Shall  bear  thee  far  away. 

2.  Another  day  more  awful  dawns, 

And,  lo,  the  Judge  appears. 
Ye  heav'ns,  retire  before  his  face; 

And  sink,  ye  darken 'd  stars. 
J.  Yet  does  one  short  preparing  hour, 

One  precious  hour  remain  : 
Rouse  thee,  my  soul,  with  all  thy  powV, 

Nor  let  it  pass  in  vain. 
i.  With  me,  my  brethren  soon  must  die, 

And  at  his  bar  appear: 
Then  be  our  intercourse  improv'd 

To  mutual  comfort  here. 
S,  For  this,  thy  temple,  Lord  !  we  throng ; 

For  this,  thy  board  surround. 
Here  may  our  service  be  appro v'd, 

And  in  thy  presence  crown'd. 

HYMN  508.  p.  m. 

1.  HPHE  God  of  glory  sends  his  summons  forth, 
-■-    Calls  the  south  nations,  and  awakes  the  north ; 
From  east  to  west  his  sov'reign  order  spread, 
Through  distant  worlds  and  regions  of  the  dead. 
The  trumpet  sounds:  hell  trembles  ;  heav'n  rejoices ; 
Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  saints,  with  cheerful  voices. 


284  JUDGMENT  AND  END 

2.  No  more  shall  atheists  mock  his  long  delay  ; 
His  vengeance  sleeps  no  more  ;  behold  the  day  ! 
Behold,  the  Judge  descends  !  his  guards  are  nigh; 
Tempests  and  fire  attend  him  down  the  sky. 
When  God  appears,  all  nature  shall  adore  him: 
While  sinners  tremble  ;  saints  rejoice  before  him. 

3.  Sinners,  awake  betimes  ;  ye  fools,  be  wise  ; 
Awake,  before  this  dreadful  morning  rise. 

Change  your  vain  thoughts,  your  wicked  ways  amend 
Fly  to  the  Saviour,  make  the  Judge  your  friend. 
Then  join  the  saints  ;  wake  ev'ry  cheerful  passion  : 
When  Christ  returns,  he  comes  for  vour  salvation. 

HYMN  504.  L.  m. 

1.  HHHE  Lord,  the  Judge,  his  churches  warns  : 

J-    Let  hypocrites  attend  and  fear. 
Who  place  their  hopes  in  rites  and  forms. 
But  make  not  faith  nor  love  their  care. 

2.  They  dare  rehearse  his  awful  name 

With  lips  of  falsehood  and  deceit; 
A  friend  or  brother  they  defame, 

And  sooth  and  Hatter  those  they  hate. 

3.  They  watch  to  do  their  neighbours  wrong 

Yet  dare  to  seek  their  Maker's  face  ; 
They  take  his  cov'nant  on  their  tongues 

But  break  his  laws,  abuse  his  gra< 
i.  And,  while  his  judgments  long  delai , 

They  grow  secure  and  sin  the  moi 
They  think  he  sleeps  as  well  as  they  ; 

And  put  far  oft*  the  evil  hour. 
5.  O  dreadful  hour,  when  God  draws  near. 

And  sets  their  crimes  before  their  eyes 
Anguish  their  guilty  souls  shall  tear, 

And  no  deliv'rer  dare  to  rise 

HYMN  505.  p.  m. 

10  !  he  oometh  !  countless  tramp  ( 
-^  Blow  to  raise  the  Bleeping  dead  ; 
Midst  ten  thousand  saints  and  angels 

See  their  great  exalted  head. 
|  [allelujah, 
Welcome,  welcome.  Son  <  rCnd. 


OF  THE  WORLD. 

2.  Ev'ry  island,  sea,  and  mountain, 

Ikav'n  and  earth  shall  flee  away. 
All,  who  hate  him,  must,  confounded. 

Hear  the  trump  proclaim  the  day  : 
Come  to  judgment ! 

Come  to  judgment !  come  away  ! 

3.  At  his  call,  the  dead  awaken. 

Rise  to  life  from  earth  and  sea  ; 
All  the  pow'rs  of  nature,  shaken 

By  His  looks,  prepare  to  flee. 
Careless  sinner, 

What  will  then  become  oftbee  : 

•i.  But  to  those,  who  have  confessed, 
Lov'd  and  serv'd  the  Lord  below. 

He  will  say, ';  come  near,  ye  blessed, 
"  See  the  kingdom  I  bestow  : 

"  You  for  ever 

"  Shall  my  love  and  glory  know." 

5.  Under  sorrows  and  reproaches, 

May  this  thought  our  courage  raise  ! 

Swiftly  God's  great  day  approaches, 
Sighs  shall  then  be  chang'd  to  praise. 

May  we  triumph, 

When  the  world  is  in  a  blaze  ! 

HYMN  506   l.  u, 

1.  npHE  mighty  deep  gives  up  her  trust, 

A    Aw'd  by  ihe  Judge's  high  command; 
Both  small  and  great  now  quit  their  dusi 
And  round  the  dread  tiilmnal  stand. 

2.  Behold  the  awful  books  display 'd, 

Big  with  th'  important  fates  of  men  ; 
Each  6itvA  and  word  now  public  made 
As  wrote  by  heav'n's  unerring  pen. 

3.  To  ev'ry  soul  the  books  assign 

The  joyous  or  the  dread  reward  : 
Sinners  in  vain  lament  and  pine  ; 
No  plea  the  Judge  will  here  regard. 
1  !  wheil  these  awful  leaves  unfold, 
Mm\  life9i  fair  book  my  soul  approve 


J8f>  JUDGMENT  AND  END 

There  may  I  read  my  name  enrolls  I, 
And  triumph  in  redeeming  love  ! 

HYMN  507    p.  m. 

Transitory  nature  and  end  of  the  world. 

1.  C  PRING  up,  my  soul,  with  ardent  flight, 
•^   Nor  let  this  earth  delude  thy  sight 

With  glitt'ring  trifles,  gay  and  vain, 
Wisdom  divine  directs  thy  view 
To  objects  ever  grand  and  new 

And  faith  displays  the  shining  train. 

2.  Be  dead,  my  hopes,  to  all  below  ; 
Nor  let  unbounded  torrents  flow, 

When  mourning  o'er  my  wkher'd  joys. 
So  this  deceitful  world  is  known  : 
Possess'd,  I  call  it  not  my  own. 

Nor  glory  in  its  painted  toys. 

3.  The  empty  pageant  rolls  along  ; 
The  giddy  inexperienc'd  throng 

Pursue  it  with  enchanted  eyes  : 
It  passeth  in  swift  inarch  away  ; 
Still  more  and  more  its  charms  decay > 

'Till  the  last  gaudy  colour  dies. 

4.  My  God  !  to  thee  my  soul  shall  turn  ; 
To  thee  my  noblest  passions  burn, 

And  drink  in  bliss  from  thee  alone^ 
I  fix  on  tbat  unchanging  home, 
Where  never-fading  pleasures  bloom, 

Fresh  springing  round  thy  radiant  throm*. 

HYMN  508   c.  m. 

1.  \1THY  should  this  world  delight  us  so  P 

*  *    Why  should  we  fix  our  ej  es 
On  these  low  grounds,  where  sorrows  grov 
And  ev'ry  pleasure  dies  f 

2.  While  time  his  sharpest  teeth  prepru 

Our  comforts  to  devour; 
There  is  a  land  above  the  stars, 

And  joys  above  his  pow  Y. 
Nature  shall  be  dissolv'd  and  die  - 

The  sun  must  end  his  race  : 


HEAVEN.  2» 


The  earth  and  sea  for  ever  fly 
Before  my  Maker's  face. 
4.  When  will  that  glorious  morning  ris: 
When  the  last  trumpet's  sound 

Shall  call  the  nations  to  the  skies, 
From  underneath  the  ground  ; 


xxx. 

HEAVEN. 
HYMN  509.  l.  m. 

1.  HHO  heav'n,  my  longing  soul  !  aspire 

-*-  And  soar  aloft  with  strong  desire. 
Here  choose  thy  lot,  here  fix  thy  rest, 
And  aim  for  ever  to  be  blest. 

2.  Still  keep  yon  blissful  world  in  view, 
And  close  the  glorious  chase  pursue  ; 
The  way  leads  up  to  rest  above, 
Through  paths  of  purity  and  love. 

3.  This  track  pursue  with  ardent  zeal  ; 
Each  lust  subdue,  each  foe  repel  ; 

Still  stretch  thy  wings,  and  upwards  rise  : 
Eternal  glory  is  the  prize  ! 

HYMN  510.  c.  m. 

*  "\T^^  eye  natn  seen>  nor  ear  liat-h  heard, 
-^    Nor  sense  nor  reason  known. 
What  joys  the  Father  has  prepar'd 
For  those  that  love  the  Son. 
2.  But  the  good  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
Reveals  a  heav'n  to  come  ; 
The  beams  of  glory  in  his  word 
Allure  and  guide  us  home. 
5.  Pure  are  the  joys  above  the  sky. 
And  all  the  region  peace  ; 
No  wanton  lips,  nor  envious  eye, 
Han  see  or  taste  the  bliss. 


»  HEAVEN . 

\.  Those  holy  gates  for  ever  bar 
Pollution,  sin,  and  shame  ; 
None  shall  obtain  admittance  there, 
But  foll'wers  of  the  Lamb. 
5.  He  keeps  the  Father's  book  of  life  ; 
There  all  their  names  are  found ; 
The  hypocrite  in  vain  shall  strive 
To  tread  the  heav'nly  ground. 

HYMN  fill.  s.  m. 

J.  T^AR  from  these  scenes  of  night, 
•*■    Unbounded  glories  rise, 
And  realms  of  infinite  delight, 
Unknown  to  mortal  eyes. 

2.  Fair  land  !  to  mortal  eyes 

But  half  its  charms  explore ; 
How  would  our  spirits  long  to  rise, 
And  dwell  on  earth  no  more ! 

3.  There  sickness  never  comes ; 

There  grief  no  more  complains ; 
Health  triumphs  ir  immortal  bloom. 
And  purest  pleasure  reigns. 

4.  No  strife,  nor  envy  there 

The  sons  of  peace  molest; 
But  harmony  and  love  sincere 
Fill  ev'ry  happy  breast. 

5.  No  cloud  those  regions  know, 

For  ever  bright  and  fair ; 
For  sin,  the  source  of  mortal  wo, 
Can  never  enter  there. 

6.  There's  no  alternate  night, 

Nor  sun's  faint  sickly  ray; 
But  glory,  from  th'  eternal  throne, 
Spreads  everlasting  day. 

7.  Oh  !  may  this  prospect  fire 

Our  hearts  with  ardent  love; 
May  lively  faith  and  strong  desire 
tt'-ar  ev'ry  thought  above  ! 


HEAVEN.  289 

HYMN  512    r.  M. 

1.  fX^Z  wings  of  faith,  mount  up  my  soul  and  rise, 

^^  View  thine  inheritance  beyond  the  skies. 

Nor  heart  can  think,  nor  mortal  tongue  can  tell, 

What  endless  pleasures  in  those  mansions  dwell. 

Here  our  Kedeemer  lives,  all  bright  and  glorious; 

O'er  sin  and  death  and  hell  he  reigns  victorious, 
f?.  Xo  gnawing  grief,  no  sad  heart-rending  pain, 

In  that  blest  country  can  admission  gain ; 

No  sorrow  there,  no  soul-tormenting  fear; 

For  God's  own  hand  shall  wipe  the  falling  tear. 

Here  our  Redeemer  lives,  &c. 
3.  Before  the  throne  a  crystal  river  glides; 

Immortal  verdure  decks  its  cheerful  sides; 

Here  the  fair  tree  of  life  majestic  rears 

Its  blooming  head,  and  sov'reign  virtue  bears. 

Here  our  Kedeemer  lives,  Sec. 

HYMN  51S.  c.  m. 

l."VrE  golden  lamps  of  heav'n  !  farewell, 
-*-    \\  ith  all  your  feeble  light. 
Farewell,  thou  ever-changing  moon, 
Pale  empress  of  the  night! 

2.  And  thou,  refulgent  orb  of  day, 

In  brighter  flames  array'd  ! 
My  soul,  which  springs  beyond  thy  sphere, 
No  more  demands  thine  aid. 

3.  Ye  stars  are  but  the  shining  dust 

Of  my  divine  abode, 
The  pavement  of  those  heav'nly  courts. 
Where  I  shall  reign  with  God. 

4.  The  Father  of  eternal  light 

Shall  there  his  beams  display; 
Nor  shall  one  moment's  darkness  mix 
With  that  unvary'd  day. 

5.  Xo  more  the  drops  of  piercing  grief 

Shall  swell  into  mine  eyes; 
Nor  the  meridian  sun  decline 
1st  those  brighter  skid- 
B   B 


290  HEAVEN". 

G.  There  all  the  millions  of  his  saints 
Shall  in  one  song  unite, 
And  each  the  bliss  of  all  shall  share 
With  infinite  delight. 

HYMN  514   l.  m. 

1.  "p'ROM  north  and  south,  from  east  and  west. 

-*-     Advance  the  myriads  of  the  blest ; 

From  ev'ry  clime  of  earth  they  come, 

And  find  in  heav'n  a  common  home. 
c2.  Howe'er  divided  here  below, 

One  bliss,  one  spirit  now  they  know; 

And,  all  their  doubts  and  darkness  o'er, 

One  common  Parent  now  adore. 

3.  On  earth,  according  to  their  light, 
They  strove  to  practise  what  was  right ; 
Hence  all  their  errors  are  forgiv'n, 
And  Jesus  welcomes  them  to  heav'n. 

4.  See,  how  along  th'  immortal  meads 
His  glorious  host  the  Saviour  leads! 
And  brings  the  myriads  none  can  count, 
To  seats  of  joy  on  Zion's  mount ! 

HYMN  515.  c.  m. 

1.  'VfOT  to  the  terrors  of  the  Lord, 
-^    The  tempest,  fire,  and  smoke; 
Xo«  to  the  thunder  of  that  word, 

Which  God  on  Sinai  spoke: 

2,  But  we  are  come  to  Zion's  hill, 

The  city  of  our  God, 
Where  milder  words  declare  his  will. 
And  spread  his  love  abroad. 

,1.  Behold  th'  innumerable  host 
Of  angels,  cloth M  in  light  ! 
Behold  the  spirits  of  the  just, 
Whose  faith  is  turn'd  to  sight' 
i.  Behold  the  blest  assembly  there, 
Whose  names  are  writ  in  heav'n  ' 
And  God,  the  Judge  of  all,  declares 
Their  immYous  sins  forgiv'n. 


HEAVEN.  291 

5.  The  saints  on  earth,  and  all  the  dead, 
But  one  communion  make: 
All  join,  in  Christ,  the  living  head, 
And  heav'nly  joys  partake. 
0.  In  Bach  society  as  this 

My  weary  soul  would  rest ! 
The  "man,  that  dwells  where  Jesus  is, 
Must  be  for  ever  hlest. 

HYMN  516    cm. 

l./^lOME,  Lord,  and  warm  each  languid  heart, 
^   Inspire  each  lifeless  tongue  ; 
And  let  the  joys  of  heaven  impart 
Their  influence  to  our  song. 

2.  Sorrow,  and  pain,  and  ev'ry  care, 

And  discord  there  shall  cease; 
And  perfect  joy  and  love  sincere 
Adorn  the  realms  of  peace. 

3.  The  soul,  from  sin  for  ever  free, 

Shall  mourn  its  pow'r  no  more; 
But,  clcth'd  in  spotless  purity, 
Redeeming  love  adore. 
■\.  There,  on  a  throne,  how  dazzling  hright, 
Th'  exalted  Saviour  shines, 
And  beams  ineffable  delight 
Ou  all  the  heav'nly  minds. 
5.  There  shall  the  foil  Vers  of  the  Lamb 
Join  in  immortal  songs, 
And  endless  honours  to  his  name 
Employ  their  tuneful  tongues. 

0.  Lord,  tune  our  hearts  to  praise  and  love, 

Our  feeble  notes  inspire  ; 
Till  in  thy  blissful  courts  above, 
We  join  the  angelic  choir. 

HYMN  517    c.  m. 

1 .  "VTOW  let  a  true  ambition  rise, 
-*-^  And  ardour  fire  our  breasts, 
To  reignin  worlds  above  the  skies, 

J-,  it.  .iv  'iil\  glories  di     * 


m  HEAVEN, 

2.  Behold  Jehovah's  royal  hand 

A  radiant  crown  display, 
Whose  gems  with  vivid  lustre  shine, 
While  suns  and  stars  decay. 

3.  No  more  I  seek  tor  transient  good, 

Nor  longer  call  it  mine  : 
I  spring  to  seize  superior  joys. 
Immortal  and  divine. 

4.  Ye  hearts,  with  youthful  vigour  warm, 

The  glorious  prize  pursue  ; 
Nor  shall  ye  want  the  goods  of  earth, 
While  heav'n  is  kept  in  view. 

HYMN  518.  c   m. 

1.  HPIIERE  is  a  land  of  pure  delight, 

-*-     Where  saints  immortal  reign; 
Infinite  day  excludes  the  night, 
And  pleasures  banish  pain. 

2.  There  everlasting  spring  abides, 

And  never- withering  fiow'rs. 

Death,  like  a  narrow  sea,  divides 

This  heav'nly  land  from  ours. 

3.  Sweet  fields,  beyond  the  swelling  flood, 

Stand  dress'd  in  living  green  : 

So  to  the  Jews  old  Canaan  stood, 

While  Jordan  roll'd  between. 

4.  But  tim'rous  mortals  start  and  shrink, 

To  cross  this  narrow  mi; 
And  linger,  shivYing,  on  the  brink, 
And  fear  to  launch  away. 

5.  O  !  could  we  make  our  doubts  remove, 

Those  gloomy  doubts  that  rise  ; 
And  view  the  Canaan  that  we  love 

With  unbeclouded  eyes  ! 
f>.  Could  we  but  climb  where  Moses  stood, 

And  view  the  landscape  o'er; 
Not  Jordan's  stream,  nor  death's  cold  flood. 

Should  fright  us  from  the  shore. 

HYMN  519.  < .  m. 

l.nPJJOSE  happy  realms  of  joy  and  p 

■*•    Fain  would  my  heart  explore, 


HEAVEN.  |M 

Where  Brief  and  pain  for  ever  cease, 
Ami  1  shall  sin  no  more. 
2. No  darkness  there  shall  cloud  the  eyes, 
No  languor  seize  the  frame  ; 
But  ever  active  vigour  rise 
To  feed  the  vital  flame. 
">.  But  ah  !  a  dreary  vale  between, 
Extends  its  awful  gloom  : 
Fear  spreads,  to  hide  the  distant  scene, 
The  horrors  of  the  tomb. 

1.  O  for  the  eye  of  faith  divine, 

To  pierce  beyond  the  grave  ! 
To  see  that  friend,  and  call  him  mine. 

Whose  arm  is  strong  to  save  ! 
5.  Here  fix,  my  soul !  for  life  is  here  ; 

Light  breaks  amid  the  gloom, 
Trust  in  Jehovah's  love,  nor  fear 

The  horror's  of  the  tomb. 

HYMN  520.  l.  m. 

l.T^ROM  this  world's  joys  and  senseless  mirth; 
-*-    O  come,  my  soul  f  in  haste  retire  ; 
Assume  the  grandeur  of  thy  birth, 
And  to  thy  native  heav'n  aspire. 

2.  'Tis  heav'n  alone  can  make  thee  blest, 

Can  ev'ry  wish  and  want  supply  ; 
Thy  joy,  thy  crown,  thy  endless  rest, 
Are  all  above  the  lofty  sky. 

3.  Eternal  mansions  !  bright  airay  ! 

O  blest  exchange  !  transporting  thought ! 
Free  from  th'  approaches  of  decay, 
Or  the  least  shadow  of  a  spot, 
i.  There  shall  mortality  no  more 

Its  wide  extended  empire  boast  ! 
Forgotten  all  its  dreadful  powY; 
In  life's  unbounded  ocean  lost. 
5,  There  dwells  the  sov'reign  Lord  of  all, 
The  (iod  that  all  the  worlds  adore; 
AVith  whom  is  bliss  that  cannot  pall, 
And  jovs  that  last  for  evermore. 


A  T  A  B  L  B 

TO  FIND  ANY  HYMN  BY  THE 
FIRST  LINE. 


ABSURD  and  vain  attempt !  to  bind 
Again  the  Lord  of  light 
Ah  !  see  him  writhe,  and  bleed,  and  die 
Ah  wretched  souls,  who  strive  in  vain 
Alas  !  and  did  my  Saviour  bleed  - 

All  earthly  charms,  however  dear 
All-glorious  God  !  what  hymns  of  praise 
AU-pow'rfuI,  self-existent  God 
All  praise  to  thee,  my  God  !  this  night 
All-seeing  God  !  ?tis  thine  to  know 
Almighty  Father!  gracious  Lord 
Almighty  God,  thy  pow'rful  word 
Almighty  Lord  of  aU 
Amazing,  beauteous  change 
Amidst  a  world  of  hopes  and  fears      - 
And  are  we  now  brought  near  to  God 
And  art  thou  with  us,  gracious  Lord  - 
And  is  the  gospel  peace  and  love 
And  must  this  body  die 
And  shall  we  still  be  slaves 
And  will  the  great  eternal  God 
Angel,  roll  the  rock  away 
Another  six  days'  work  is  done 
Are  not  thy  mercies  sov'reign  still 
Arise  my  tend'rest  thoughts,  arise 
Assist  us,  Lord,  thy  name  to  praise 
As  various  as  the  moon 
Attend,  my  soul,  with  awe 
Attend  ye  children  of  your  God 
Author  "of  good  !  we  rest  on  thee  - 
Author  of  iife  and  bliss 
Awake,  my  soul  !  and  with  the  sun 
Awake,  my  soul  !  lift  up  thine  eyes 
Awake  my  soul  !  rouse  cv'ry  pow'r 


TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES. 

Page. 

Awake  my  soul  !  stretch  ev'ry  nerve  -             168 

Awake,  our  souls  !  away  our  fear*  -            -      167 

We,  ye  saints  !  and  raise  your  eyes  -             274 

Awake,  ye  saints,  to  praise  your  King  -             -       207 

Away  from  ev'ry  mortal  care                  -  -             211 

BEFORE  Jehovah's  aw ful  throne  1 

Begin,  mv  soul,  th' exalted  lav         -  8 

Behold,  O  Israel's  God                 '-  -            -       137 

Behold,  th'  amazing  sight          -  85 

Behold  the  bleeding  Lamb  of  God  -                       01 

Behold,  the  blind  their  sight  receive  CO 

Behold  the  gloomy  vale            -           -  - 

Behold!  the  lofty 'sky                       -  -             -       119 

Behold  the  morning  sun             -             -  -             118 
Behold  the  path  which  mortals  tread 

Behold  the  Prince  of  peace        -  69 

Behold  the  Saviour  of  mankind       -  -                       89 

Behold,  where,  breathing  love                 -  -             199 

Behold,  where  in  a  mortal  form  -             -         8') 

Beset  with  snares  on  ev'rv  hand             -  -             131 

Bless'd  be  th'  eternal  God               -  99 

Blest  are  the  humble  goals,  who  see     -  -             165 

Blest  are  the  undefil'd  in  heart       -  -                     1  ■  "• 

Blest  be  the  tio,  that  binds         -  303 

Blest  Instructor !  from  thy  ways  -            -       145 

Blest  is  the  man,  whose  heart  expands  -             300 

Blest  is  the  man,  whose  heart  is  kind  -                     196 

Bright  source  of  everlasting  love            -  -              197 

By  various  maxims,  forms,  and  rules  -            -       171 

CHILDREN,  in  years  and  knowledge  young  -  254 

Christ,  the  Lord,  is  ris'n  to  day  -                      96 

Come  gracious  Spirit,  heav'nly  Dove    -  -             111 

Come  hither,  all  ye  weary  souls  -                       76 

Come,  holy  Spirit,  heav'nly  Dove          -  -             111 

Come,  let  our  mournful  songs  record  -             -         83 

Come,  let  our  voices  join  to  raise          -  -            2u7 

Come,  let  us  join  our  cheerful  songs  -            -         87 

Come,  let  us  join  our  souls  to  God        -  -             219 

Come,  let  us  lifit  our  voices  high  -                       86 

Come  let  us  search  our  wavs  and  try    -  -             19  i 

Come,  Lord,  and  warm  each  languid  heart  -      291 


TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES. 

Come,  said  Jesus'  sacred  voice 
Gome  sound  his  praise  abroad 
Come,  weary  souls,  with  sin  distrest 
Come,  ye  that  love  the  Lord 
Consider  all  my  sorrows,  Lord 
Courage,  my  soul  !  while  God  is  near    - 

DAUGHTERS  of  pity,  tune  the  lay 
Diseases  are  thy  servants,  Lord 
Dost  thou  my  worthless  name  record 

Ij^  ARLY,  my  God,  without  delay 
^"Eat,  drink,  in  mem'ry  of  your  friend" 
Eternal  and  immortal  King- 
Eternal  God,  almighty  cause 
Eternal  God  !  how  frail  is  man 
Eternal  Sire,  entliron'd  on  high 
Eternal  source  of  ev'ry  joy 
Eternal  Spirit,  source  of  iight 

FAITH  adds  new  charms  to  earthly  bliss 
Far  from  these  scenes  of  night 
Far  hence  each  superstition  vain 
"  Father  divine,  "  the  Saviour  cried 
Father*  I  bless  thy  gentle  hand 
Father  of  all  !  eternal  mind  -  f 

Father  of  all  !  my  soul  defend 
Father  of  all  !  whose  cares  extend 
Feather  of  Jesus  Christ,  my  Lord 
Father  of  men  !  thy  care  we  bless 
Father  of  mercies  !  God  of  love 
Father  of  mercies,  in  thy  word 
Father  of  our  feeble  race 
Firm  was  my  health,  my  day  was  bright 
For  ever  blessed  be  the  Lord 
Forsake,  my  soul  !  the  tents  of  sin 
Frequent  the  day  of  God  returns 
From  all  that  dwell  below  the  skies 
From  north  and  south,  from  east  and  west 
From  this  world's  joys  and  senseless  mirth 

GIVE  thanks  to  God  most  high 
Give  to  our  God  immortal  praise 
Give  to  the  Lord,  ye  sons  of  fame 


Page. 

75 

7 

-  77 
151 

-  245 
180 


TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES. 

Page* 

Give  to  the  winds  thy  fears            -  -                      50 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high           -  G 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high  9 

God  in  the  gospel  of  his  Son     -  123 

God  is  a  spirit,  just  and  wise           -  128 

God  is  the  refuge  of  his  saints  -  50 

God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way     -  -             -         48 

God,  my  supporter  and  my  hope          -  -            130 

God  of  eternity !  from  thee            -  269 

God  of  mercy  !  God  of  grace     -            -  -             144 

God  of  my  life,  through  all  its  days  -                    182 

God  of  my  mercy,  and  my  praise           -  81 

God  of  our  lives  !  thy  constant  care  -             -       231 

God,  to  correct  the  world         -  234 

God,  who  is  jast  and  kind               -  -            -      115 

Grace,  'tis  a  charming  sound     -  37 

Greatest  of  beings,  source  of  life     -  -                      AG 

Great  Father  of  mankind           -  208 

Great  frainer  of  unnumherM  worlds  -             -       237 

Great  God,  arise  and  shine        -  108 

Great  God,  at  whose  all-pow  Yful  call  -                       43 

Great  God,  how  infinite  art  thou  21 

Great  God,  indulge  ray  humble  claim  -            -      130 

Great  God,  in  vain  man's  narrow  view  -               l'J 

Great  God  !  our  joyful  thanks  to  thee  -                     182 

Great  God  !  the  nations  of  the  earth    -  -              107 

Great  God  !  thy  peerless  excellence  -             -       177 

Great  God  !  we  sing  that  mighty  hand  -              230 

Great  God  !  whilst  1  thy  love  admire  -             -       19S 

Breaf  God  !  whose  all-pervading  eye  -              102 

Great  God  !  whose  universal  sway  -             -       107 

Great  Lord  of  angels!  we  adore          -  -             '243 

Great  Ruler  of  aU  nature's  frame  -            -      263 

Great  Huler  of  the  earth  and  skies       -  -                 4<J 

Great  source  of  life,  our  soull  confess  -             -14 

Great  was  the  day,  the  joy  was  great  -  -           ■     105 

XT  AD  1  the  tongues  of  Greeks  and  Jews  -        lf>3 

-1  *  Had  not  the  Lord,  may  Israel  say  -              24<> 

Hail.                     >r,  wise  and  good  -           -          39 

Hail,  happy  mom  !  whose  early  .ray   -  -             l2\C\ 

Happy  is  he,  whose  early  years  -             -         2.'  i 


TABLE    OF  FIRST  LINES. 

Page. 

Happy  the  heart,  where  graces  reign  -           -      180 

Happy  the  man,  whose  wishes  climb    -  -             175 

Happy  the  men,  whom  strength  divine  -             -       207 

Hark  !  from  on  high  a  solemn  voice      -  -             277 

Hark  !  from  the  tombs  a  doleful  sound  -             -       266 

Hark  !  the  glad  sound,  the  Saviour  comes  -               M 

Hark  !  the  voice  of  love  and  mercy  -            -        80 

Hark  !  'tis  our  heav'nly  Leader's  voice  -               93 

Hark  !  what  celestial  notes              -  60 

He  dies,  the  friend  of  sinners  dies         -  -               §4 

Heav'n  lias  confirm 'd  the  great  decree  -             -       282 

High  in  the  heav'ns,  eternal  God           -  10 

High  let  as  swell  our  tuneful  notes  -             -         61 

Holv  and  rev'rend  is  the  name              -  27 

Holy,  holy,  holy  Lord  7 

Hosannah  !  let  us  join  to  sing    -  99 

Hosannah  to  the  Son     .            -            -  -              88 
Hosannah  with  a  cheerful  sound    - 

How  are  thy  servants  blest,  (>  Lord      -  -               57 

How  beauteous  are  their  feet  -             -         68 

How  blest  the  man,  how  more  than  blest  -             157 

How  blest  the  sacred  tie,  that  binds  -             -       203 

How  did  my  heart  rejoice,  to  hear        -  -             200 

How  gracious  and  how  wise            -  259 

How  happy  is  the  man,  who  hears         -  -             159 

How  long  shall  death,  the  tyrant,  reign  -             -       279 

How  long  shall  dreams  of  creature-bliss  -              t$5 

How  precious  is  the  book  divine  -              -        122 

How  rich  are  thy  provisions,  Lord        -  -             223 

How  rich  thy  gifts,  Almighty  King  -             -       233 

How  still  and  peaceful  is  the  grave         -  -           27. i 

How  swift  the  torrent  rolls           -  268 

How  various  and  how  new         -  149 

How  vast  is  the  tribute  I  owe         -  247 

How  well  our  great  Preserver  knows  -             260 

I  love  the  Lord;  he  beard  my  cries  -              -       2-iS 

I  love  the  volumes  of  thy  word          -  -               118 
I  love  thy  Zion,  Lord                         ...       200 

I  want,  a  principle  within             -              -  -              160 

If  high  or  low  our  station  be  193 

If  sola!  happiness  we  prise      -  isy 


TABLE  OF  FOIST  LINES. 

Page- 

HI  praise  mj  Maker,  whilst  I've  breath  -               4 

Immortal  God  !  on  thee  we  call    -  -            -        65 

Imposture  shrinks  from  light                 -  -             187 

Indulgent  Father !  how  divine  (J 

Indulgent  Go<l !  whose  bounteous  care  -            229 

Indulgent  God  !  with  pitying  eye     -  137 

In  glad  amazement,  Lord,  1  stand         -  -               15 

In  raptures  let  our  hearts  ascend  -             -       100 

In  sleep's  serene  oblivion  laid                -  -             226 

In  sweet  exalted  strains     -  242 

Interval  of  grateful  shade          -  230 

In  vain  my  roving  thoughts  would  find  -             -       132 

In  vain  opposing  nations  rage                 -  -             233 

In  vain  would  boasting  reason  find  -           -      172 

TESIS  !  and  shall  it  ever  be               -  -             175 

•*    Jesus  invites  his  saints               -  221 

Jesus  is  gone  above  the  skies                 -  -             222 

Jesus,  our  triumphant  Head           -  101 

Jesus  shall  reign,  where'er  the  sun       -  -             100 

Join  all  the  glorious  names             -  -                       70 

Joy  to  the  world  :  the  Lord  is  come     -  -               62 

LADEX  with  guilt,  and  full  of  fears  -             -       12S 

Let  all  the  heathen  writers  join     -  -             120 

Let  av'rice,  borne  from  shore  to  shore  -                    120 

Let  coward  guilt  with  pallid  fear          -  -              58 

Let  ev'ry  ear  attend            -             -  -             -         76 

Let  ev'ry  tongue  thy  goodness  speak  -               S6 

Let  others  boast  how  strong  they  be  -53 

Let  party  names  no  more         -  202 

Let  Pharisees  of  high  esteem         -  195 

Let  sorrow,  Lord,  my  bosom  fill           -  -             160 

Let  the  high  heav'ns  your  songs  invite  -                      40 

Let  the  whole  race  of  creatures  lie       -  -               44 

Life  is  a  span,  a  fleeting  hour         -  -             -       251 

Lo  !  he  comes,  from  heav'n  descending  -            104 

Lo  !  he  cometh  !  countless  trumpets  -            -       284 

Lo !  what  a  pleasing  sight          -  205 

Long  as  I  live,  I'll  bless  thy  name  -             -         10 

Lord,  all  I  am  is  known  to  thee  24 

Lord,  dismiss  us  with  thy  blessing  -                   21 G 

dost  thou  shew  a  corner-stoiie    -  -            172 


TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES. 

Lord,  in  this  vule  of  tears              -  265 

Lord  of  my  life !  O  may  thy  praise    -  -              226 

Lord  of  the  sabbath  f  hear  our  vows         -  -         213 

Lord  of  the  worlds  above        -  208 

Lord,  thou  hast  searched  and  seen  me  through  24 

Lord  !  thou  wilt  hear  me  when  I  pray  -              229 

Lord  !  'tis  a  pleasant  thing  to  stand           -  210 

Lord!  we  adore  thy  wondrous  name            -  -    272 

Lord !  Ave  have  wander'd  from  thy  way  -             147 

Lord  !  what  our  ears  have  heard      -            -  -     218 

Lord,  when  iniquities  abound       -             -  140 

Lord,  when  our  raptur'd  thought  surveys     -  2 

MAKER,  and  sovereign  Lord       -  105 

Man  has  a  soul  of  vast  desires     -  -             133 

Mark  the  soft-falling  snow              -             -  112 

Mark  !  when  tempestuous  winds  arise  -             1 89 

Mistaken  souls,  that  dream  of  heav'n        -  -       176 

Must  friends  and  kindred  droop  and  die  -            250 

My  dear  Redeemer,  and  my  Lord             -  79 

My  Father!  cheering  name      -            -  -            183 

My  God !  and  is  thy  table  spread               -  -      233 

My  God,  how  endless  is  thy  love         -  -            225 

My  God,  my  everlasting  hope       -  256 

My  God,  my  hope  !  if  thou  art  mine    -  -            264 

My  God,  my  life,  thy  various  praise  I 

My  God,  my  portion,  and  my  love      -  -             129 

My  God  !  permit  me  not  to  be                    -  -       192 

My  God,  the  visits  of  thy  face                -  -             132 

My  God,  thy  boundless  love  I  praise        -  -        32 

My  God,  what  blessings  round  me  shone  -               17 

My  God,  whose  all-pervading  eye              -  -       262 

My  gracious  God,  accept  my  prav'r    -  -            190 

My  heart  and  ways,  OGod             -  SS 

My  hope,  my  portion,  and  my  God     -  -             113 

Mj  Maker,  and  my  King                -             -  13 

My  soul,  before  thy  Maker  bow           -  -             177 

My  soul,  praise  the  Lord                -             -  12 

My  soul,  repeat  his  praise        -  34 

My  soul,  the  awful  hour  will  come            -  -      246 

My  waken'd  sonK  extend  thy  Mings    -  -           2S<2 


MiLE  OF  FIRST  LINES. 

P*ge. 

NAKED  as  from  the  earth  we  came  -            -      2G1 

No,  I'll  repine  at  death  no  more  -             2SI 

Nor  eve  hath  seen,  nor  ear  hath  heard  -             -       287 

Not  all  the  nobles  of  the  earth              -  -             153 

Not  from  relentless  fate's  dark  womb  -             -         51 

Not  to  the  terrors  of  the  Lord              -  -             290 

Now  begin  the  heav'nlv  theme      -  -             -75 

Now  be  that  sacrifice  survey'd              -  -              92 

Now  I  have  found  the  ground  wherein  -                       73 

Nowvin  the  heat  (A  youthful  blood       -  -             255 

Now,  in  the  hour  of  deep  distress  -             -         83 

Now  let  a  true  ambition  rise     -  291 

Now  let  my  soul  with  transport  rise    -  -               93 

Now  let  our  drooping  hearts  revive  -            -       244 

Now  let  our  songs  address  the  God  of  peace      -  2  iO 

Now  let  our  voices  join      -  152 

Now  let  us  raise  our  cheerful  strains  91 

Now  may  the  God  of  grace  and  pow'r  -             -       237 

Now  to  the  Lord  a  noble  song               -  -               69 

O  blessed  souls  are  they             -  149 

O  bless  the  Lord,  my  soul  14 

O  come,  behold  a  scene  of  dread  -             -       235 

Of  justice  and  of  truth  I  sing  -  204 

Oft  have  I  turn'd  my  eye  within    -  191 

O  God,  my  Saviour,  and  my  King         -  -             194 

O  God  of  Jacob,  by  -whose  hand     -  196 

O  happiuess,  thou  pleasing  dream        -  -             156 

0  happy  soul  that  lives  on  high     -  -             -       155 

O  hear  me,  Lord  !  on  thee  I  call           -  -             253 

O  !  how  my  fears  the  dangers  move  -             -       138 

O  Lord !  my  best  desires  fulfil              -  -            184 

O  Lord  !  our  fathers  oft  have  told  -           -      236 

U  Lord,  our  heav'nly  king       -            -  -              1G 

One  there  is,  above  all  others        -  -                    74 

On  Judah's  plains  as  shepherds  sat  00 

On  wings  of  faith,  mount  up  my  ^nn\  and  rise        -       289 

<  )ppress'd  with  guilt,  or  grief,  or  care  -             142 

O  prais                     rd!  prepare  a  new  song  -           5 

r  the  Lord  would  guide  my  wi  -            117 

O  the  delights,  the  heav'nly  joys    -  103 

<)  thou,  before  whose  gracious  throne  -            24V 

O  thou  that  hear'st  when  sinners  cry  •           -      142 
C  c 


TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES. 

Page. 

O  thou,  the  wretched's  sure  retreat  35 

O  thou,  to  whose  all-searching  sight  -             -       131 

O  thou,  whose  scales  the  mountains  weigh       -  1S8 

O  thou,  whose  tender  mercy  hears  -            -      145 

O  'tis  a  lovely  thing  to  see         -             -  -             18S 

O  turn,  great  Ruler  of  the  skies     -  -                     147 

Our  country  is  Immanuel's  ground       -  -             168 

Our  Father,  thron'd  above  the  sky  -                     180 

Our  God  !  our  help  in  ages  past            -  -            272 

Our  souls  with  pleasing  wonder  view  -             -         ,34- 

O  what  stupendous  mercy  shines          -  -             198 

O  Zion  tune  thy  >oice         -  108 

"pARENT  of  all,  omnipotent             -  -            9&3 

-*     Parent  of  good  !  thy  Works  of  might  -           -      181 

Peace,  all  ye  sorrows  of  the  heart        -  -            100 

Peace,  my  complaining  heart          -  245 

Peace  !  the  welcome  sound  proclaim    -  -             'J40 

Perpetual  source  of  light  and  grace  -            -       144 

Pity  the  nations  O  our  God          -  -             224 

Praise,  happy  land !  Jehovah's  name  -            -       2,'32 

Praise  to  God,  immortal  praise              -  -             257 

Praise  to  God,  the  great  Creator  -                    212 

Praise  to  the  Lord  of  boundless  might  -             115 

Praise  to  the  Lord,  who  bows  his  ear  -             -       239 

Praise  ye  the  Lord  !  'tis  good  to  raise  -               28 

Praise  ye  the  Lord  !  Mho  reigns  above  -             -         6.3 
"  Proclaim,"  said  Christ,  "  God's  wondrous  grace         217 

Providence,  profusely  kind             -  259 

RAISE,  thoughtless  sinner,  raise  thine  eye   -              1  il 

Raise  your  triumphant  songs  -           -        59 

Rejoice,  the  Lord  is  King                       -  -             103 

Rejoice,  ye  shining  worlds  on  high  -             -       loo 

Remark,  my  soul  !  the  narrow  bounds  -             £32 

Return,  my  roving  heart,  return  -             -       193 

SALVATION,  O  the  joyful  sound  -              72 

Searcher  of  hearts !  to  thee  -           -      140 

See  Israel's  gentle  Shepherd  stand      -  -           21  s 

See  what  a  living  stone    -  97 

Shall  1  forsake  thai  heav'nly  Friend     -  -               17.* 

Shew  pity,  Lord !  O  Lord  forgive  -            -      141 


TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES. 

Page. 

Shine  on  our  souls,  eternal  God    -  -         56 

Should  famine  o'er  the  mourning  field  -             264 

Sing  to  the  Lord,  who  loud  proclaims        -  -       174 

Sinners  !  the  voice  of  God  regard          -  -             134 

So  let  our  lips  and  lives  express     -             -  160 

Songs  of  immortal  praise  belong  26 

Sons  of  Adam  !  join  to  raise            -             -  64 

Sov'reign  of  life,  1  own  thy  hand           -  -            249 

Spring  up,  my  soul,  with  ardent  flight       -  -       286 

Supreme  and  universal  light                  -  -             162 

Sure  the  blest  comforter  is  nigh    -             -  116 

Sure  there's  a  righteous  God                -  -              52 

Sweet  is  the  friendly  voice  which  speaks  -  -       148 

Sweet  is  the  mem'ry  of  thy  grace        -  -              33 

Sweet  is  the  work,  my  God,  my  King       -  214 

TEACH  me,  O  teach  me,  Lord  !  thy  way  -             117 

Teach  me  the  measure  of  my  days     -  -       266 

Thanks  for  mercies  past  receive            -  -             216 

That  awful  hour  will  soon  appear               -  -       268 

The  darken 'd  sky,  how  thick  it  low'rs  -            261 

The  day  approaches,  O  my  soul     -  28.3 

The  evils  that  beset  our  path    -  262 

Thee  we  adore,  eternal  Name        -  267 

The  God  of  glory  sends  his  summons  forth  -              283 

The  God  of  love,  will  sure  indulge             -  -       250 

The  God,  who  once  to  Israel  spoke  94 

The  heart,  dejected,  sighs  to  know             -  -         30 

The  hour  of  my  departure's  come        -  -             'J.V 

The  King  of  heav'a  his  table  spreads        -  -        78 

The  Lord,  how  fearful  is  his  name       -  -               4;> 

The  Lord,  how  kind  are  all  his  ways         -  -       146 

The  Lord  into  his  vineyard  comes        -  -              140 

The  Lord  in  Zion  plac'd  his  name              -  -       209 

The  Lord  my  pasture  shall  prepare     -  -               55 

The  Lord  of  glory  reigns  supremely  great  -         46 

The  Lord  of  life,  with  glory  erown'd  -             102 

The  Lord,  the  Judge,  his  churches  warns  -       284 

The  man  it  ever  blest              -  138 

The  man,  whose  firm  and  equal  mind        -  -       \{)Z 

The  mighty  deep  gi\es  up  her  trust     -  -             285 

The  morning  fiow'rs  display  their  sweets  -       271 


TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES. 

Page 

The  promises  I  sing           -            -            -  3i> 

The  promise  of  my  Father's  love        -  -            224 

There  is  a  glorious  world  on  high              -  157 

There  is  a  God  all  nature  speaks         -  -               38 

There  is  a  land  of  pure  delight      -  29'2 

The  rising  morn,  the  closing  day          -  -               4  J 

The  Saviour  calls;  let  ev'ry  ear                  -  -77 

The  Saviour,  what  a  noble  flame          -  84 

The  spacious  firmament  on  high    -            -  37 

The  swift  declining  day             -  270 

Th'  eternal  Sov'reign  from  on  high            -  -         Gti 

The  trav'ller  lost  in  night         -  150 

They,  that  have  made  their  refuge  Cod     -  -         5  i 

Thine  influence,  Lord  !  is  felt                -  -             11-2 

This  feast  was  Jesus'  high  behest               -  -       £l2l 

This  is  the  day  the  Lord  hath  made     -  -             215 

Those  happy  realms  of  joy  and  peace      -  -      £92 

Thou  art  my  portion,  O  my  God          -  -            164 

Though  nature's  voice  you  must  obey       -  -       253 

Thou  hidden  love  of  God,  whose  height  -             18! 

Thou,  Lord,  by  mortal  eyes  unseen           -  68 

Thou,  Lord,  through  ev'ry  changing  scene  -             005 
Thou  pow'r  supreme,  by  whose  command  wv  live         13 

Thou  suit'st,  O  Lord,  thy  righteous  ways  -              '2(.> 

Thrice  happy  souls,  who,  born  of  heav'n    -  -       178 

Through  all  the  various  shifting  scene  -               47 

Th' uplifted  eye,  and  bended  knee            -  -      163 

Thus  far  the  Lord  has  led  me  on         -  -            $28 

Thus  God  th'  eternal  Father,  spake           -  -       106 

Thus  spake  the  Saviour,  when  lie  sent  -             243 

Thy  ceaseless,  unexhausted  love                -  -        31 

Thy  gracious  favour,  Lord  !  display      -  -             239 

Thy  presence,  everlasting  God     -           -  -17 

'Tis  l)y  the  faith  of  joys  to  come           -  -             171 

'Tis  finish'd! — so  the  Saviour  cried            -  -         87 

To  calm  the  sorrows  of  the  mind          -  -               52 

To  God,  the  only  wise      -           -           -  -113 
To  heav'n  my  longing  soul !  aspire 

To-morrow,  Lord,  is  thine              -  271 
To  thee  let  my  first  oflTrings  rise 

To  thee,  my  God  !  my  days  are  known      -  -         25 


TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES. 

Pagr. 

To  thee,  O  God  !  my  pray'r  ascends  -            128 

To  thee,  O  God  !  we  homage  pay  -             -67 

To  those  who  tear  and  trust  the  Lord  -              63 

To  your  Creator  God          -            -  5 

Triumphant,  Lord  !  thy  goodness  reigns  -              32 

*  1  was  hy  an  order  from  the  Lord  -             -       124 

Twas  for  our  sake,  eternal  God  84 

Twas  God  who  hurl'd  the  rolling  spheres  -        23 

'Twas  on  that  dreadful,  doleful  night    -  -             220 

UP  to  the  Lord,  who  reigns  on  high  -            -        30 

Upward  I  lift  mine  eyes                 -  -               54 

\r  are  thy  works,  almighty  Lord  -            -        4'J 

Vital  spark  of  heav'nly  ilanie        -  -             278 

VI7EAKV  of  these  low  scenes  of  night  -       263 

*  *     "We  feel  thy  awful  chast'ning  rod  -             236 

Welcome  the  hope  of  Israel's  race  -            -        02 

We  praise  the  Lord  for  heav'nly  bread  -            223 

AVe  sing  th' almighty  povv'r  of  God  -             -         S(J 

ing  the  wise,  the  gracious  plan  -             72 

What  eves  like  thine,  eternal  Sire  -             -         2(J 

"What  glory  gilds  the  sacred  page         -  -             122 

AVhat  mean  these  jealousies  and  fears  -             -       174 

What  sinners  value,  I  resign     -  280 

What  strange  perplexities  arise    -  -                   161 

What  works  of  wisdom,  pow'r  and  love  *               67 

"When  Abrah'm  full  of  sacred  awe  -             -       238 

When  all  the  pow'rs  of  nature  fail       -  -           276 

When  all  thy  mercies,  O  my  God  -            -         18 

When  blooming  youth  is  snatch'd  away  -            251 

When  darkness  long  has  veil'd  my  mind  -       174 

When  death  appears  before  my  sight  -  -             275 

When  gloomy  thoughts  and  fears  -                    156 

When  God  reveal'd  his  gracious  name  -            14U 

Wheq  I  can  read  my  title  clear     -  15.3 

When  I  with  curious  eyes  survey          -  27 

When  i*  the  light  of  faith  divine  -            -      134 

When  Jesus  dwelt  8b  mortal  clay  80 

When  life's  tempestuous  storms  are  o'er  -       276 

When  o'er  the  trodden  paths  of  life      -  -             849 

When  overwhelm'd  with  grief      -  -            -       186 

c  c  2 


TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES. 

Page. 

"When  present  sufferings  pain  my  heart     -  -       im 

When  rising  from  the  bed  of  death      -  -             1  ii 

Wherefore  should  man,  frail  child  of  (lay  -       Itl 

Where  high  the  heav'nlv  temple  stands  -             102 

Wherewith  shall  I  approach  the  Lord       -  -       21<* 
While  beauty  clothes  the  fertile  vale   - 

While  some  in  folly's  pleasures  roll          -  -       155 

"While  sounds  of  war  are.  heard  around  -             234 

While  thee  I  seek,  protecting  pow'r          -  -       17'.' 
While  to  the  grave  our  friends  are.  borne 

Whilst  sinners,  who  presume  to  hear         -  -       1  T»4 

Who,  gracious  Father!  can  complain  -               47 

Who  shall  against  the  Lord  prevail           -  -       136 

Who  shall  ascend  thy  heav'nlv  place  -             161 

Why  is  my  heart  with  grief  opprest          -  -      185 

Why  should  this  world  delight  us  so  -             286" 

Why  sinks  my  weak  desponding  mind     -  -185 

Why  will  ye  lavish  out  your  rears      -  -            f$5 

With  ec stacy  of  joy            -             -             -  -         71 
With  eye  impartial,  heav'ns  high  King 

With  humble  heart  and  tongue     -  255 

With  joy  we  lift  our  eyes          -             -  -             ti I  1 

With  songs  and  honours  sounding  loud     -  -         41 

With  transport,  Lord  !  we  view  the  page  -             154 

Worthy  is  he,  that  once  was  slain              -  -         &S 

\7E  followers  of  the  prince  of  peace   -  -            —J 

A    Ye  golden  lamps  of  hcav'n  !  farewell  -       i2S0 
Ye  humble  souls,  approach  your  God 

Ye  humble  souls,  complain  no  more         -  -      158 

Ye  humble  souls,  that  seek  the  Lord  -               95 
Ye  mourning  saints,  whose  streaming  tears 

Ye  servants  of  the  Lord                         -  -            1 69 

Ye  sons  of  men,  in  sacred  lays       -  90 
Ye  subjects  of  the  Lord,  proclaim 

Yes,  the  Redeemer  rose                             -  ,  CJ7 

Yre  trembling  souls!  dismiss  your  fears  -              152 

Ye  weak  inhabitants  of  clay             -  20 

Ye  works  of  God  !  on  him'  alone           -  -               11 


LITURGY, 

FOR   THE   VSL    Or 

EVANGELICAL 
LUTHERAN  CHURCHES. 


Ft  J1LISHED    15 Y    DBftXR 
OF   THE    EVASGILKAL   n'TULIi  A\ 

OF   THE    STATE   OF   BTBW-YOftK. 

GERn.VM'OWX  : 
FHINTKD   I»r  M.   M&LX1 


CONTENTS. 


SECT.  I.  TWO  Forms  of  Confession  of  Sin,  and  two 
other  Introductory  Prayers. 

II.  Eight  general  Prayers.* 

III.  Four  Prayers  after  sermon. 

IV.  Scriptural  Benedictions  for  the  conclusion  of  pub- 

lic worship. 

V.  A  Table  of  the  selections  from  the  Scriptures,  com- 

monly called  the  "  Gospels  and  Epistles." 

VI.  The  Ministration  of  Baptism  to  Infants. 

VII.  The  Ministration  of  Baptism  to  such  as  are  of  riper 

years. 

VIII.  The  Order  of  Confirmation. 

IX.  Order  of  the  Service  preparatory  to  the  Celebration 

of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

X.  The  Administration  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

XI.  A  Form  for  the  Inauguration  of  the  ruling  Officer?. 

of  a  Congregation. 

XII.  The  Solemnization  of  Matrimony. 

XIII.  The  Burial  of  the  Dead. 

*  If  anil  of  these  prayers  should  be  considered  too  long  to 
be  used  at  once,  it  may  be  easily  divided  into  two  / 
the  first  to  he  used  before,  and  the  second  after  sermon. 


A  LITURGY,  &c. 

SECTION  I 

TWO  FORMS  OF  COjYFESSTO.X  OF  SLY,  and 
TWO  OTHER  PRAYERS,  prober  to  be  used  in 
the  Morning- Service,  immediately  after  it  ^introduction 
by  the  singing  of  a  hymn, 

i. 

DEARLY  Beloved,  the  holy  Scriptures  declare,  thai, 
when  the  wicked  man  turneth  away  from  his  wicked- 
ness, aryd  doeth  that  which  is  lawful  and  right,  he  shall 
save  his  soul  alive.  The  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  and 
a  contrite  heart.  To  the  Lord  belong  mercies  and  forgive- 
nesses, though  we  have  rebelled  against  him.  Let  us,  there- 
fore, arise,  and  confess  our  sins  unto  our  Father,  with  sin- 
cere, humble  and  obedient  hearts,  that  we  may  obtain 
remission  of  the  same  by  his  infinite  goodness  and  mercy. 
Almighty  and  most  merciful  Father,  unto  whom  all 
hearts  are  open  and  all  desires  are  known,  all  whose  com- 
mandments are  just,  necessary,  and  good  !  we  confess  unto 
thee,  that  we  have  erred  and  strayed  from  thy  ways  like 
lost  sheep.  We  have  followed  too  much  the  devices  and 
desires  of  our  own  hearts.  AW-  nave  offended  against  thy 
holy  laws.  We  have  left  undone  those  tilings,  which  we 
ought  to  have  done  ;  and  we  have  done  those  things  which 
Me  ought  not  to  have  done.  But  enter  not,  we  beseech 
thee  into  judgment  with  us;  for  in  thy  sight  shall  no  man 
living  be  justified.  As  thou  hatest  nothing  which  thou  I 
made,  ami  desirest  not  the  death  of  a  sinner,  hut  rather 
that  he  may  turn  from  his  wickedness  and  live, — have 
mercy,  O  Lord,  upon  us  miserable  offenders.  Spare  thou 
those,  O  God,  who  confess  their  faults.  Restore  thou  those 
who  are  truly  penitent,  according  to  thy  gracious  promises 
declared  unto  mankind  in  Christ  Jesua  our  Lord.  And 
grant,  O  most  merciful  Father, that  we  may  hereafter  live 
a  godly,  righteous,  and  sober  lite,  to  the  glory  of  th\ 
holy  name,  through  thy  blessed  Son,  our  Mediator  an4 
Redeemer. 


*  INTRODUCTORY  PRAYERS. 

2 

T\EARLY  Beloved,  "  if  we  say  that  we  have  no  sin,  we 
-*-^  "  deceive  ourselves  and  the  troth  is  not  in  us.  But  if 
"  we  confess  (and  forsake)  our  sins,  God  is  faithful  and  just 
w  to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from  all  un- 
"  righteousness."  Encouraged  by  this  merciful  assurance 
of  his  word,  let  us  renounce  every  evil  thought  and  way, 
and  with  penitent  and  humble  hearts  implore  the  forgive- 
ness of  all  our  transgressions. 

Holy,  holy,  holy  art  thou,  Lord  God  Almighty,  the  mer- 
ciful Ruler,  the  righteous  Judge  of  all  thine  intelligent 
creatures  in  heaven  and  on  earth  !  Thou  dwellest  in  a 
light  unto  which  no  man  can  approach,  and  canst  not  look 
with  pleasure  upon  sin.  We  confess  unto  thee,  the  Search- 
er of  hearts,  that  we  are  justly  chargeable  with  numerous 
transgressions  and  omissions  of  duty.  We  acknowledge 
with  sorrow  and  repentance,  that  we  have  been  unmindiul 
of  thy  goodness  and  disobedient  to  thy  laws,  that  we  have 
cherished  evil  dispositions,  inordinate  affections,  and  sinful 
passions  ;  and  that  we  have  rendered  ourselves  obnoxious 
to  thy  displeasure,  and  deserving  of  the  punishments  due 
to  the  guilty.  O  Lord,  righteousness  belongeth  unto  thee  ; 
but  unto  us  shame  and  confusion  of  face.  Our  only  hope 
is  in  thy  tender  mercy  ;  and  we  praise  thee,  that  thou  hast 
graciously  revealed  to  us  thy  readiness  to  receive  into  fa- 
vour all  who  cease  to  do  evil  and  learn  to  do  well.  In  the 
name  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  \vhom  thou  hast  sent  into 
the  world  to  save  us  from  our  sins  and  miseries,  we  im- 
plore the  forgiveness  of  all  our  offences ;  seriously  renoun- 
cing whatever  is  contrary  to  thy  will,  and  sincerely  resolv- 
ing to  follow  after  holiness  of  heart  and  life.  Vouchsafe 
to  direct  and  assist  us  by  thy  Spirit,  in  carrying  these  pur- 
poses into  effect.  And  grant,  O  thou  God  of  compassion, 
that  our  hearts  may  be  established  in  the  love  and  fear  of 
thee,  in  a  cheering  sense  of  thy  goodness,  and  in  a  joyful 
hope  of  everlasting  life  and  happiness,  through  the  media- 
tion of  our  crucified  and  exalted  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 


A 


LMTGTTTY  and  everlasting  God,  who  art  the  author 
of  eve  ry  good  and  perfect  gift;  what  fervent  gratitude 


INTRODUCTORY  PRAYERS.  f 

do  wc  owe  to  thee  for  the  privilege  of  assembling  together 
in  thy  house,  of  holding  communion  with  thee,  of  confirm- 
ing our  faith  in  thy  blessed  Son,  and  of  nourishing  our 
souls  with  the  bread  of  eternal  life  !  How  rich  is  the  pro- 
vision, which  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  make  for  the  sup- 
ply of  all  our  spiritual  wants !  Accept,  we  beseech  thee, 
the  thankful  acknowledgments  of  our  hearts  for  the  ordi- 
nances of  thy  gospel,  and  for  the  institution  of  this  day  of 
sacred  rest ;  and  enable  us  to  make  a  wise  and  a  profita- 
ble use  of  them.  Assist  us  to  worship  thee,  who  art  a 
Spirit,  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  Dispose  us  so  to  understand, 
to  recollect,  and  to  apply  the  discoveries  and  precepts  of 
thy  word,  that  we  may  perfectly  lo\e  and  serve  thee,  and 
cordially  confide  in  thy  government  and  promises.  Grant, 
especially,  that  the  serious  remembrance  of  the  triumphant 
resurrection  of  thy  Son  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  of  which 
we  are  reminded  this  day,  may  animate  us  to  the  steadfast 
profession  of  his  name,  raise  our  affections  and  wishes  to 
the  things  which  are  above,  incite  us  to  follow  him  in  his 
holy  and  benevolent  life,  and  fill  us  with  joy,  peace,  and 
hope  in  believing. — Save  now,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee. 
In  thee  do  we  put  our  trust:  let  us  never  be  ashamed. 
Amen. 


OTFIOU  ever-blessed  and  most  glorious  God,  who  art 
the  object  of  supreme  veneration,  on  whom  all  the 
families  of  the  earth  continually  depend  !  we,  thine  un- 
worthy servants,  would  come  before  thee  with  reverence 
and  thanksgiving.  We  esteem  it  good  for  us  to  draw  near 
unto  thee,  and  we  desire  to  serve  thee  with  filial  joy  and 
godly  fear.  May  the  various  exercises,  in  which  we  en- 
gage, be  acceptable  in  thy  sight  and  be  accompanied  with 
thy  blessing.  May  we  celebrate  thy  praises  with  under- 
standing and  devotion;  and  to  remember  thy  great  good- 
ness to  us  and  to  all  men,  that  we  may  be  inclined  to  love 
thee  and  to  cherish  good  will  towards  one  another.  May 
we  confess  our  sins  unto  thee  with  unfeigned  sorrow  and 
steadiest  purposes  of  amendment.  May  we  offer  up  our 
supplications  with  humble  confidence  in  thy  wisdom  and 
kindness.  May  our  intercessions  be  accompanied  with  up- 


6  GENERAL  PRAYERS, 

right  ehaiit y  towards  all  mankind.  May  we  receive  in- 
struction with  attention,  candour, and  meekness;  lay  it  up 
in  our  hearts,  and  bring  forth  the  fruits  of  righteousness  in 
our  lives.  May  no  vain  thoughts  distract  our  minds,  no 
unworthy  ohject  withdraw  our  affections.  May  we  so 
carefulJy  improve  all  the  means  of  religion,  that  we  may 
grow  wiser  and  hetter;  be  gradually  trained  up  for  thy 
heavenly  kingdom;  and  at  last  be  made  partakers  of  that 
happiness,  which  eye  hath  not  seen,  which  ear  hath  nut 
heard,  and  which  it  hath  not  entered  into  the  heart  of  man 
to  conceive,  through  the  riches  of  thy  redeeming  grace  in 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 


JV*.  B.  The  following  portions  of  Scripture  may  af?o  be 
i/sed with  great  pr-:j>rulu,  for  the  introduction  offnibfic 
worship:  viz.  Psalm  XVI  XIX.  XXVII  LXVIl 
JLXXXIV.  XCVIII  c.  cm  CXLV. 


SECTION  II. 

EIGHT  GENERAL  PRAYERS,  ptofier  to  be  usea 

i?i  public  worship. 

l. 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  we  desire  to  lilt 
up  our  hearts  unto  thee,  the  hearer  of  prayer,  from 
whom  alone  cometh  our  help.  We  adore  thee  as  the  great 
Parent  of  the  Universe,  from  whom  all  things  proceed, 
and  on  whom  all  creatures  depend.  Thou  art  WOrthl  of 
all  possible  veneration,  gratitude,  and  obedience.  Thou 
art  the  blessed  and  only  Potentate,  the  King  of  kings,  and 
Lord  of  lords.  Thou  alone  hast  immortality,  and  art  un- 
changeable in  wisdom  and  holiness.  Thy  truth  endureUi 
to  all  generations  ;  thy  mercy  is  from  everlasting  to  ever- 
lasting upon  them  that  fear  thee;  and  thy  righteousness 
unto  children's  children. — We  thine  unworthy  servants 
would  give  thee  most  humble  and  hearty  thanks  for  ali  thy 
goodness  and  loving-kindness  to  us  and  to  all  men.  We 
bless  thee  for  our  creation,  preservation,  and  ali  the  bless- 
ings of  this  life  ;  but,  above  all, for  thine  in- 
in  the  redemption  <-»♦'  th«   world  i>>  our  Lord  and  - 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  7 

Jesus  Christ,  for  the  means  of  grace,  and  for  the  hope  of 
glory.  And  we  beseech  thee  to  give  us  that  due  sense  of 
all  thy  mercies,  that  our  hearts  may  be  unfeignedly  thank- 
ful, and  that  we  may  show  forth  thy  praise  not  only  with 
our  lips,  but  in  our  lives.  Grant,  that  we  may  devote  our- 
selves to  thy  service,  and  walk  before  thee  in  holiness  and 
rightcousn< -ss  all  our  days.  Enable  us  to  cherish  and  to  ex- 
ercise habitually  every  pious  and  virtuous  affection  ;  that 
Ave  may  enjoy  the  testimony  of  a  good  conscience  and  the 
hope  of  thy  favour,  be  sustained  and  comforted  under  the 
troubles  of  litis  life,  and  finally  be  received  into  thine 
eve  rlasting  kingdom,  through  thine  infinite  mercy  in 
Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour. 

Thou  hast  directed  us,  almighty  God,  to  ofTer  up  our 
supplications  for  all  our  fellowmen.  We  humbly  beseech 
thee  for  all  sorts  and  conditions  of  men  ;  that  thou  wouldst 
be  pleased  to  make  thy  Mays  known  unto  them, the  saving 
gospel  of  thy  Son  unto  all  nations;  that  idolatry,  supersti- 
tion, and  vice  may  be  banished  from  the  earth  ;  and  that 
war,  oppression,  and  injustice,  may  for  ever  cease.  We 
pray,  that  the  church  of  Jesus  throughout  the  world  mar 
be  so  guided  and  governed  by  thy  good  Spirit,  that  all, 
-who  profess  themselves  Christians,  may  be  led  into  the 
way  of  truth,  and  hold  the  faith  in  unity  of  spirit,  in  the 
bond  of  peace,  and  in  righteousness  of  life.  We  commend 
to  thy  fatherly  goodness  all  those,  who  are  afflicted  or  dis- 
tressed in  mind,  body,  or  estate  ;  that  it  may  please  thee  to 
comfort  and  relieve  them  according  to  their  several  neces- 
sities ;  giving  them  patience  under  their  sufferings,  and  a 
happy  issue  out  of  all  their  afflictions. 

We  implore  thy  heavenly  blessing  especially  upon  the 
land,  in  which  we  live.  Give  success,  we  pray  thee,  to  the 
lawful  Mid  virtuous  labours  of  its  inhabitants  ;  and  provide 
the  necessary  supplies  for  all  their  wants.  Beheld  with 
thy  favour  the  President  of  the  United  States,  the  Gov- 
ernor of  this  State,  and  all  who  are  invested  witli  legisla- 
tive, judicial,  or  executive  authority;  and  so  replenish 
them  with  thy  grace,  that  they  may  always  incline  to  thy 
will  and  walk  in  ihy  way,  and  be  enabled  to  promote  and 
secure  the  national  peace,  liberty,  safety  and  prosperity. 
Send  down  upon  all  ministers  of  the  gospel  and  upon  all 
congregations  committed  to  their  charge  the  needful  spirit 

D    D 


8  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

of  thy  grace,  that  they  may  truly  please  thee;  and  give 
such  efficacy  to  the  means  of  education  with  which  thou 
hast  furnished  us,  that  ire  may  become  a  wise  and  righte- 
ous people,  whom  thou  wilt  delight  to  protect  and  favour. 
Hear  us,  most  merciful  God,  we  beseech  thee,  in  these 
our  supplications  and  intercessions,  which  we  otter  up  unto 
thee  as  disciples  of  thy  Son ;  and  pardon  and  accept  us, 
through  him,  now  and  evermore.     Ameu. 


2. 

^J_LORY  and  honour  he  unto  thee,  the  self-existent  and 
^~"  infinite  Jehovah,  who  art  and  wast,  and  shalt  be  from 
eternity  to  eternity  !  Adoration  and  praise  he  unto  thee, 
the  omnipotent,  all-wise,  all-gracious  Being,  who  fillest 
the  heavens  and  the  earth  with  thy  presence  and  thy  love  ! 

Glory  and  honour  be  unto  thee,  the  Creator  and  Pre- 
server of  the  Universe,  the  Father  and  the  Friend  of  the 
sons  of  men  !  Thou  hast  formed  us  after  thine  own  image, 
made  us  intelligent,  free,  and  immortal  spirits,  and  raised 
us  to  the  dignity  of  thy  children  and  worshipers.  Thou 
bestowest  upon  us,  each  returning  day,  invaluable  mercies 
and  blessings  both  for  our  bodies  and  our  souls  ;  and  thou 
art  preparing  us  for  vastly  higher  satisfactions  in  a  better 
world. 

Adoration  and  praise  be  unto  thee,  the  Father  of  com- 
passion, the  God  of  all  consolation  and  grace  in  Christ 
Jesus  our  Lord  !  Thou  hast  pitied  our  sinful  and  wretched 
race,  and  given  us  a  Redeemer  who  is  able  to  save  unto 
the  uttermost.  By  the  doctrines,  the  death,  and  the  resur- 
rection of  thy  Son,  thou  hast  revealed  to  us  thy  character 
and  will,  conferred  on  us  the  strongest  assurance  and 
pledge  of  thy  mercy,  enriched  us  with  comfort  under  all 
our  trials  and  distresses,  encouraged  and  enabled  us  to 
prove  faithful  to  duty,  delivered  us  from  the  \\'-av  of  death 
and  of  hell,  and  set  before  us  the  path  of  life  and  pleasures 
at  thy  right  hand  for  evermore. 

Almighty  God,  how  shall  words  express  tin-  grandeur 
of  thy  majesty,  and  the  magnitude  and  extent  of  thy  grace ! 
We  would  how  down  with  the  profoundest  veneration, and 
worship  thee  as  tin-  first,  the  best,  the  most  perfect  of  all 
beings.     We  contemplate  with  amazement  the  immeasur- 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  9 

able  distance  between  thee  and  us  thy  frail  and  guilty 
creatures  ;  and  rejoice,  that,  though  thou  art  infinitely  ex- 
alted, thou  (leanest  to  exercise  such  condescension  and 
clemency  towards  us.  To  thee  all  our  homage,  affection, 
and  submission  are  due.  To  praise  and  adore  thee  be  our 
delightful  and  eternal  employment,  and  that  of  all  our 
brethren  ! 

Merciful  Parent  of  the  human  family,  enable  lis  to  live 
under  an  habitual  sense  of  the  relation  which  we  sustain 
towards  thee.  May  the  recollection  of  thy  greatness  ever 
inspire  us  with  reverence,  and  the  remembrance  of  thy 
mercy  lead  us  to  consecrate  our  bodies  and  our  souls  as  a 
living  sacrifice  unto  thee.  May  a  cheerful  and  universal 
Obedience  ever  prove  our  gratitude,  and  a  patient  submis- 
sion to  the  afflictions  we  may  encounter  evince  our  trust. 
May  we  ever  rejoice  in  Jesus  Christ  as  the  Captain  of  our 
salvation,  open  our  hearts  to  all  his  discoveries  and  com- 
mandments, make  them  the  only  rule  of  our  faith  and 
practice,  aim  continually  at  an  increasing  resemblance  of 
his  divine  dispositions  and  virtues,  and  rely  with  immovea- 
ble confidence  upon  the  precious  promises  which  he  sealed 
witli  his  blood.  By  the  influence  of  his  holy  gospel,  may 
we  pass  with  usefulness  and  comfort  through  all  the  vicis- 
situdes of  this  transitory  state,  and  become  qualified  for  an 
entrance  into  that  world,  where  ail  his  followers  shall  be- 
hold him  face  to  face. 

These  blessings,  which  we  supplicate  for  ourselves,  wc 
beseech  thee,  heavenly  Father,  to  extend  to  the  whole 
family  of  man.  Increase  the  number  of  those,  who  adore 
the  with  holy  joy  and  with  a  Christian  temper  and  life, 
Multiply  the  triumphs  of  truth  over  error,  of  righteous- 
ness over  iniquity,  of  a  filial  spirit  of  love  over  servile  ter- 
rors and  gloomy  fears.  In  all  the  habitations  of  men,  from 
the  rising  unto  the  going  down  of  the  sun,  ma)  the  incense 
of  acceptable  praise  and  the  pure  offering  of  a  virtuous  life 
he  presented  unto  you. 

Kndow  all  those,  who  are  appointed  to  rule  over  their 
fellowmeu,  with  a  superior  measure  of  wisdom  and  benev- 
olence :  and  inspire  all  instructers  of  youth  and  all  teacji- 
CTS  of  religion  with  ardent  concern  to  promote  the  wel- 
fare of  those  with  whom  tin  v  are  connected  Enlighfcpi 
find  direct  thy  servants  to  whom  the  administration  of  our 


10  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

government  is  committed, and  all  who  are  empowered  to 
enact  and  to  execute  our  laws,  in  fulfilling  their  arduous 
and  important  duties,  Granl  that  all  the  inhabitants  ot  our 
land  may  lead  a  quiet  and  peaceableJife  in  all  godliness 
and  honesty.  Vouchsafe  to  preserve  to  its  our  civil  and 
religious  rights,  to  protect  us  from  die  horrors  of  w;u*  and 
other  public  calamities,  to  bless  us  with  healthy  and  fruit- 
ful seasons,  and  to  prosper  our  agriculture,  commerce, 
and  manufactures. 

Have  mercy,  gracious  God,  upon  all  communities  or 
individuals,  ulio  are  oppressed  by  injustice  and  tyranny  ; 
-who  are  fh  ing  from  the  sword  of  their  enemies  ;  v.  ho  are 
suffering  the  desolation  of  famine  or  pestilence;  who  are 
bowed  down  by  sickness  or  poverty;  or  who  are  exposed 
to  any  other  necessities  and  dangers.  Prevent  them,  we 
pray  thee,  from  being  overwhelmed  by  such  \  Motions, 
and  from  sinking  into  despair.  liaise  up  to  them  friends, 
and  send  them  relief  in  their  distresses;  ami  cause  the 
rough  and  thorny  path  of  affliction  to  become  to  them  the 
path  to  perfection  and  bliss. — Let  thy  consolations  cheer 
and  support,  especially,  our  mourning  and  distressed  breth- 
ren^ ho  arc  united  with  this  religious  Society,  or  for  whom 
our  prayers  have  been  desired.  Alleviate  their  pains,  both 
of  body  and  mind.  Deliver  them  from  all  their  sorrows, 
if  this  be  agreeable  to  thy  holy  will,  or  enable  them  t'» 
suffer  with  pious  resignation  and  hope  ;  and  let  them  find 
bv  happy  experience,  that  it  was  good  for  them  to  be  af- 
flicted. 

And  now  unto  thee,  who  art  able  to  do  exceeding  abun- 
dantly above  all  that  we  ask  or  think,  be  glory  in  the  church 
by  Christ  Jesus,  throughout  all  ages.    Amen. 


GREAT  art  thou,  O  God,  and  greatly  to  be  praised  ; 
worthy  to  be  had  in  reverence  by  all  the  children  ot 
men  !  We  worship  thee,  as  the  Creator  and  Governor  ot 
all  things  visible  and  invisible.  Thoulm  si  andn  igncst, 
unchangeably  the  same,  without  beginning  ot  days  or  end 
Of  years.  Thou  art  present  at  all  times  in  every  part  ot  thy 
dominion  ;  the  universe  is  thy  temple  ;  thine  is  the  majes- 
ty, and  the  power,  and  tfie  glory.    Thou  art  perfect  in 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  11 

wisdom,  wonderful  in  counsel,  holy  in  all  thy  ways,  and 
righteous  in  all  thy  works.  Thy  faithfulness  endureth  tor 

ever,  and  justice  and  judgment  are  the  foundation  t  thy 
throne.  Thou  art  good,  and  thou  doest  good  continually 3 
the  earth  is  lull  of  thy  riches;  and  every  blessing  and  ad- 
vantage cometh  down  from  thee. 

We  thank  thee,  O  thou  Father  of  lights,  for  the  innu- 
merable mercies  which  thou  hast  bestowed  upon  us.  We 
thank  thee  tor  the  gift  of  life:  for  the  wise  and  useful 
frame  of  oiv  bodies  ;  and  for  the  nobler  powers  of  our 
minds,  by  which  we  arc  enabled  to  attain  to  the  knowl- 
edge and  love  of  thee.  We  thank  thee,  that  thou  hast  im- 
planted in  us  a  sense  of  good  and  evil,  and  the  affections 
of  benevolence  and  compassion.  We  thank  thee  for  the 
continual  preservation  of  our  being,  and  confess,  that  food 
and  raiment,  that  health  and  joy  and  all  our  outward  pos- 
ns  are  the  gifts  of  thy  bounty,  and  that  the  blessings 
of  friendship,  freedom,  and  equal  government,  are  th\  be- 
nevolent appointment. 

We  thank  thee,  that  thy  goodness  is  not  confined  to  the 
present  World,  but  I  bat  thou  art  training  us  up  for  ever- 
lasting life  by  thy  providence  and  grace.  We  thank  thee 
for  the  instructions  and  examples  of  the  wise  and  the  good, 
and  for  every  opportunity  of  cultivating  knowledge  and 
virtue.  But  above  all,  ve  praise  and  magnify  thee  for  the 
rich  display  of  thy  love  in  the  manifestation  of  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ.  "We  acknowledge  with  the  highest  grati- 
tude, that  by  him  thou  hast  given  us  thy  heavenh  truth  to 
enlighten  our  minds  and  to  sanctity  our  hearts  ;  and  that 
in  his  life  thou  hast  set  before  us  a  model  of  the  most  ex- 
alted goodness,  to  encourage  and  animate  our  upright  en- 
deavours to  serve  thee.  We  bless  thee  for  the  promises 
of  mercy  and  forgiveness,  and  for  the  hopes  of  immortal- 
ity which  are  confirmed  to  us  in  his  gospel  We  rejoice, 
that  after  he  had  suffered  death  upon  the  cross  for  the  re- 
conciliation of  our  souls  to  thee,  he  was  raised  up  from 
the  grave,  and  became  the  author  of  eternal  salvation  to 
all  those  who  obey  him. 

But,  whilst  we  bless  i/iee.  Almighty  God,  for  thy  good- 
ness and  thy  wonderful  works  :  we  are  humbled  by  the 
thought  of  our  ingratitude  and  unworthiness.  We  lament 
before  thee,  that  we  have  not  duly  hearkened  to  the  voice 
D  d  2 


12  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

of  thy  won],  nor  been  as  sensible1  of  thy  clemency  and 
companion  as  it  behoved  us  to  be.  \\  c  have  been  guilty 
of  many  errors  and  transgressions,  and  negligent  in  the 
government  of  our  hearts  and  the  direction  of  our  con- 
duct. We  have  exposed  ourselves  to  thy  righteous  dis- 
pleasure ;  and  would  bow  down  before  iliy  throne,  implor- 
ing thy  pardon.  O  God,1iave  mercy  upon  the  works  of 
thy  hand,  and  forgive  and  accept  thy  people,  according  to 
the  covenant  of  thy  grace  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  As  it 
is  the  desire  of  our  hearts  to  return  to  the  path  of  obedi- 
ence, enable  us,  we  beseech  thee,  by  the  assistance  of  thy 
holy  Spirit,  to  correct  whatever  is  wrong  i:i  our  tempers 
and  behaviour,  and  to  delight  in  the  practice  of  eveiT  thing 
good  and  virtuous.  Endow  us  with  an  active  principle  of 
humble  and  joyful  piety,  with  a  supreme  love  and  a  con- 
stant regard  to  thee,  with  a  prevailing  disposition  to  do 
unto  all  men  as  we  would  that  they  should  do  unto  us, 
with  a  solicitude  to  approve  ourselves  to  thee  the  uner- 
ring Judge  by  pure  affection  and  by  a  watchful  care  over 
our  thoughts  and  passions.  Assist  us  to  become  and  to 
continue  the  faithful  disciples  of  thy  Son,  to  glory  in  his 
cross  and  triumph,  and  to  demonstrate  our  attachment 
and  devotedness  to  him  by  promoting  the  success  of  his 
gospel  with  all  our  power,  and  by  causing  the  light  of  a 
good  example  to  shine  before  others.  And,  while  we  pro] 
thee,  merciful  Father,  to  defend  us  from  every  real  evil, 
and  to  confer  upon  us  whatever  is  needful  for  our  bodies 
and  ouv  souls;  v,  e  would  desire  to  submit  ourselves  per- 
fectly to  the  disposal  of  thy  wisdom.  Through  whatever 
changes  we  ma\  be  conducted  by  thy  providence,  help  us 
to  improve  them  to  thy  glory  ;  that  we  may  be  finally  ad- 
mitted into  those  everlasting  habitations,  w  hie  h  thou  hast 
graciously  promised  to  thy  faithful  servants  by  Jesus  Chrisi 
our  Lord. 

Almighty  God,  thou  wilt  have  all  men  to  be  saved  and 
to  be  brought  unto  the  knowledge  of  the  truth.  Enlarge, 
we  beseech  thee,  the  kingdom  of  thy  Son,  and  give  him 
the  uttermost  parts  of  the'  earth  for  his  possession.  Put 
an  end  to  all  falsehood  in  religion  and  all  wickedness  of 
life.  Grant,  that  pure  and  uncorrupted  Christianity  may 
prevail,  that  all  its  professors  may  walk  worthy  of  their 
iiigh  calling,  that  persecution  may  for  ever  cease,  and 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  15 

»2gh«cousncss,  peace,  and  charity  every  where   ahounrl. 

Fath.  c  of  mercies,  look  down  with  favour  upon  these 
United  States  of  America.  Enable  the  President,  and  all 
others  in  authority, to  discharge  the  duties  of  their  stations 
with  m  tsdom,  and  integrity,  as  men  who  are  responsible  to 
thee.  Cau!  e  a  speedy  and  effectual  stop  to  be  put  to  the 
progress  of  immorality  and  profaneness;  that,  on  the  last- 
ing basis  of  public  virtue,  the  public  happiness  maybe  es- 
tablished, and  our  libei  ties  be  preserved  and  banded  down, 
inviolate  to  the  latest  posterity.  Crown  the  year  with  thy 
goodne^s;  help  all  thy  people  to  live  in  concord  and  har- 
mony ;  and  let  all  our  churches  and  schools  be  monu- 
ments of  thy  love,  Extend  thy  pity,  in  particular,  we  pray 
thee,  to  all  the  sons  aud  daughters  of  sorrow.  Be  thou  a 
father  to  the  fatherless,  and  the  defender  of  the  widow. 
Provide  for  the  poor;  give  health  to  the  sick;  comfort 
those  who  mourn ;  support  such  a?  suffer  for  righteous- 
ness sake;  prepare  the  d}  ing  for  their  removal  from  this 
probationary  state ;  and  deliver  the  nations  from  all  the 
evil  effects  of  ambition,  avarice,  anarchy,  violence,  and 
contention. 

Hear  us,  O  God  of  mercy,  in  these  our  supplications, 
which  we  offer  up  in  the  name  and  as  the  disciples  of  thy 
Son.  And  unto  Him  that  sitteth  on  the  throne,  and  to  the 
Lamb  that  was  slain,  be  glory  and  honour  for  ever  and 
e^er.    Amen, 


4- 

SUPREMELY  exalted  and  adorable  Jehovah,  whom  an- 
^   gels  and  archangels  delight  to  worship,  whom   the 

heaven  of  heavens  cannot  contain!  behold  in  mercy  thy 
servants  and  children,  who  come  before  thee  with  the 
voice  of  prayer  and  of  praise.  We  bow  down  before  thee, 
the  self-existent  and  eternal  Being,  and  rejoice  in  the  rev- 
elation which  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  make  of  thy  char- 
acter and  will.  Thou  hast  formed  the  heavens  with  all 
their  hosts,  the  earth  and  all  that  dwell  therein.  Thou 
preservest  universal  nature  in  existence,  maintainest  the 
beauty  and  order  of  thy  works,  and  disposest  all  things  by 
counsels  which  cannot  err.  All  creatures  are  entirely  de- 
pendant upon  thee,  and  thou  assignest  to  each  his  prop-  r 


U  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

station  and  duty.  Thy  providence  is  perfect ;  thy  gov- 
ernment is  righteous  ;  all  thy  commandments  are  equita- 
ble,  pun?',  :"i(l  good.  L'nto  thee  alone,  the  blessed  and 
supreme  Potentate,  is  unlimited  submission  due. 

\\  e  venerate,  O  God,  thine  almighty  power,  thine  un- 
spotted sanctity,  and  thine  unbounded  wisdom  j  but  we 
would  especially  acknowledge  thine  infinite  and  everlast- 
ing goodness.  Thou  art  the  fountain  of  happiness,  and  thou 
(iitiYisest  hlessjngs  innumerable  throughout  thy  creation. 
Thou  art  the  Father  of  our  spirits,  and  the  Former  of  our 
bodies.  7'hou  hast  exercised  a  gracious  care  over  us  from 
the  first  moment  of  our  existence,  supplied  our  wants,  and 
provided  for  us  many  enjoyments.  We  thank  thee  for  all 
the  mercies  of  our  outward  condition,  and  for  all  the  sat- 
isfactions of  society  and  friendship.  We  thank  thee  for 
understanding  and  know  ledge,  for  the  capacity  of  making 
improvement  in  religion  and  virtue,  and  for  all  our  oppor- 
tunities and  means  to  attain  true  happiness.  We  thank 
thee,  above  all,  that  thou  hast  sent  thine  only-begotten 
Son,  to  save  us  from  ignorance  and  fear,  to  redeem  us 
from  all  iniquity,  and  to.  purify  unto  himself  a  peculiar 
people  zealous  of  good  works.  We  thank  thee,  that  thou 
vast  in  him  reconciling  the  world  unto  thyself,  that  he 
gave  himself  for  us  and  suffered  the  painful  death  of  the 
cross  for  our  souls,  and  that  through  him  we  receive  re- 
mission of  sin.  We  thank  thee,  that,  by  his  glorious  resur- 
rection and  ascension,  he  has  brought  life  and  immortality 
to  light;  that  he  has  opened  before  us  the  solemnities  of 
a  future  judgment,  and  displayed  to  us  the  mansions  of  the 
spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect. 

What  is  man,  O  God,  that  thou  art  so  mindful  of  him, 
and  the  son  of  man,  that  thru  visitest  him  thus?  How 
good  art  thou  to  the  evil  and  unthankful  !  and  yet  how  of- 
ten have  we  offended  against  thy  rich  and  unspeakable 
grace,  and  slighted  that  long-suffering  and  forbearance 
which  should  have  led  us  to  rcpentaiav  !  how  many  are 
fhc  occasions,  on  which  we  have  felt  and  acted  inconsist- 
ently with  the  character  which  we  are  required  to  bear, 
the  great  example  which  is  set  before  us.  a, id  the  sure 
and  precious  promises  to  which  we  are  called  ! — Hut  suf- 
fer us  not,()  Lord,  to  perish  in  our  transgressions;  deliv- 
er us  from  the  dominion  of  them  in  the  time  to  come.    En- 


GEXERAL  PRAYERS.  If 

able  us  to  live  according  to  the  profession  which  we  make, 
and  the  desires  which  we  now  express  before  thee,  (rive 
us  such  a  deep  persuasion  of  the  evil  of  sin,  and  of  the  im- 
portance and  necessity  of  a  holy  heart  and  life,  that  we 
may  carefully  abstain  from  all  impiety  and  unrighteous- 
ness. Let  the  grace  and  mercy  which  thou  hast  shewn 
unto  us  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  excite  in  us  due  returns 
of  love  and  obedience;  and  constrain  us  to  exercise  sin- 
cere kindness,  tenderness,  and  forgiveness  to  all  our 
brethren.  Let  the  remembrance  of  death,  judgment,  ami 
eternity,  effectually  lead  us  to  purify  our  minds,  to  imitate 
the  pattern  of  our  blessed  Master,  and  never  to  he  weary 
in  well-doing.  Let  the  assurances  and  pledges,  which 
thou  hast  given  us  of  thy  love  to  all  thy  upright  and  faith- 
ful children,  fill  our  hearts  with  joyful  hope  and  with  a 
firm  reliance  upon  thy  divine  assistance.  Safe  under  thy 
protection,  and  happy  in  thy  favour,  may  we  cheerfully 
follow  where  thou  pleasestto  conduct  us,  desire  only  what 
thou  shalt  see  fit  to  give  us,  and  endure  with  fortitude  the 
trials  which  thou  shalt  appoint  for  us..  In  health  and  in 
sickness,  in  life  and  in  death,  may  we  lift  up  our  souls  unt<» 
thee,  and  make  thy  goodness  and  mercy  in  the  Mediator 
of  our  race  our  only  confidence  and  joy.  And  having  lived 
by  thy  grace,  in  a  state  of  continual  improvement  and 
preparation  for  thy  heavenly  kingdom,  may  we  finally  be 
received  into  the  same,  to  the  praise  aud  glory  of  thy 
name,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

O  God,  who  art  the  Father  of  all  mankind,  fill  the 
minds  of  thy  reasonable  creatures,  we  beseech  thee,  with 
the  knowledge  of  thy  truth,  and  deliver  them  from  every 
evil  affection.  Cause  the  gospel  of  thy  Son  to  prevail 
through  the  world,  to  enter  the  hearts  and  govern  the  live  s 
of  all  us  inhabitants,  and  to  make  all  nations  righteous  and 
happy.  Reform  the  disorders,  which  arise  from  the  evil 
passions  of  men;  and  prosper  the  just  designs  of  all  whq 
delight  in  peace.  Grant,  that  the  blessings  of  free  and 
ecjnal  government  may  become  universal,  the  advantages 
ot  civil  society  be  widely  extended,  the  best  inter' 
every  community  be  fully  secured,  and  all  thy  children  be 
united  in  the  praise  of  thee  and  the  love  of  one  another. 

We  commit  to  thee,  our  righteous  Governor,  all  the 
important  concerns  of  our  country.    "\\  e  pray,  *!••■■ 


1G  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

may  live  in  safety,  and  enjoy  thy  blessings  in  tranquility 
and  peace  ;  that  we  may  escape  the  destructive  evils, 
which  thou  hast  appointed  for  wicked  nations ;  and  that 
religion  and  virtue  may  so  prevail  among  us,  that  our 
privileges  may  be  transmitted  to  succeeding  ages.  Be 
pleased  to  give  us  the  fruits  of  the  earth  in  their  seasons, 
and  to  bless  all  orders  of  men  in  the  diligent  discharge  of 
their  respective  duties.  Give  success  to  all  the  means, 
employed  among  us  for  instructing  the  young,  for  reclaim- 
ing the  vicious,  and  for  establishing  the  well-disposed. 
Enlighten,  direct,  and  prosper  the  ['resident  of  the  Uni- 
ted States,  and  all  who  are  invested  with  authority.  Ma) 
they  be  men  fearing  thee, and  hating  covetousness  and  all 
manner  of  iniquity  ;  may  all  their  power  and  influence  be 
exerted  for  the  promotion  of  the  welfare  of  the  people, 
and  the  advancement  of  thy  glory  ;  and,  under  their  gov- 
ernment, may  justice  and  judgment  be  impartially  admin- 
istered. 

Finally,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Cod  of  mercy,  to  extend 
thy  favourable  regard  to  all  our  brethren  who  are  in  afflic- 
tion. May  thy  wisdom  be  their  direction,  thy  power  their 
rapport,  thj  goodness  their  confidence.  By  patience  and 
a  serious  improvement  of  their  sufferings,  may  they  be 
prepared  for  unmixed  happiness  in  that  better  world, 
where  all  thy  ways  will  be  completely  justified,  and  ever- 
lasting praise  will  ascend  to  thy  throne. 

And  unto  thee,  the  King  eternal,  immortal,  and  invisi- 
ble, be  all  honour  and  glory,  through  Jesua  Christ,  our 
Mediator  and  Redeemer,  now  and  evermore.     Amen. 

5- 

INTERNAL  and  most  merciful  Hod,  unto  whom  all 
J  hearts  are  open,  and  from  whom  no  secrets  can  be 
hid  !  we  would  raise  our  thoughts  and  aUrctions  to  thee, 
as  the  greatest  and  the  best  of  beings,  the  objeel  of  su- 
preme veneration,  the  high  and  mighty  Rulerofthc  uni- 
verse. The  heavens  are  thy  throne,  the  earth  is  thv  foOt- 
btool.  Honour  and  majesty  are  before  thee;  strength 
and  beauty  are  in  thy  sanctuary  ;   holiness  becometh  thine 

house  for  ever.    Powerful  is  thine  arm  ;  unsearchable  are 

jlhv  judgments  ;  righteous  is  thy  reign  ;  with  thee  there  is 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  \7 

no  respect  of  persons.  Thy  wrath  is  revealed  against  all 
ungodliness  Hid  wickedness;  thy  mercy  is  sure  to  every 
humble  and  penitent  soul;  thy  counsels  are  counsels  of 
peace,  and  not  of  evil.  We  address  ourselves  to  thee  as 
dependant,  frail,  and  guilty  creatures,  who  cannot  exist 
without  thy  support,  who  cannot  be  happy  without  thy 
love.  We  acknowledge,  that  all  our  faculties  are  the 
work  of  thy  hand,  that  all  our  outward  advantages  and  en- 
joyments are  the  gifts  of  thy  providence,  that  all  our  con- 
solation and  improvement  now  from  thy  grace.  We  bless 
thee  for  all  those  satisfactions  and  comforts,  which  have 
sustained,  cheered,  and  gladdened  us  in  every  stage  of  our 
pilgrimage.  We  praise  thee,  that  we  are  made  but  a  little 
lower  than  the  angels,  and  formed  with  capacities  to  know, 
to  love,  and  to  rejoice  in  thee  for  ever.  We  thank  thee, 
above  all,  for  the  mission  of  thy  beloved  Son,  for  redemp- 
tion through  his  blood,  even  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  for 
the  possession  of  his  precious  gospel,  i'ov  the  privilege  of 
freely  enquiring  into  its  meaning,  and  for  the  liberty  of 
openly  professing  our  faith,  What  everlasting  gratitude 
is  due  to  thee,  that  his  doctrines  perfectly  enlighten  the 
human  mind,  that  his  precepts  clearly  point  out  to  us  the 
path  of  duty,  that  his  example  incites  and  encourages  our 
works  of  love,  that  his  death  speaks  peace  and  joy  to  the 
upright  believer,  that  his  resurrection  from  the  grave  es- 
tablishes our  confidence  in  him  as  our  divine  Mediator  and 
Redeemer,  and  that  his  ascension  to  glory  enlivens  our 
best  and  dearest  hopes  ! 

O  God  !  accept,  we  beseech  thee,  the  expressions  of 
our  thankfulness  for  these  inestimable  mercies.  Pardon, 
of  thine  infinite  goodness,  whatever  of  lukew  armness  and 
disobedience  thy  pure  eyes  have  seen  in  our  minds  ami  in 
our  lives.  Give  us  grace  to  make  a  diligent  and  faithful 
use  of  every  talent  committed  to  our  care.  Vouchsafe  to 
direct  us  in  all  our  religious  enquiries.  Help  us  to  shun 
all  presumption,  and  to  maintain  a  humble  and  teachable 
disposition.  Preserve  us  from  those  prejudices  which  per- 
vert the  judgment,  from  those  passions  which  debase  the 
understanding,  from  those  mistakes  which  weaken  the 
principles  and  obstruct  the  practice  of  Christian  virtue, 
from  those  superstitious  imaginations  and  fears  which 
iy  men  into  dishonourable  ami  unworthy  conceptio;  . 


IS  GENERAL  PRATERS. 

ol  dice.  Assist  us  to  know  thee  more  and  more  perfectly, 
to  understand  thy  will  and  our  exalted  destination,  to  make 
thee  the  o!>ject  of  our  highest  confidence,  reverence  and 
joy,  to  love  thee  With  all  our  souls,  and  to  walk  with  cir- 
cumspection and  alacrity  according  to  thy  holy  command- 
ments. May  we  daily  learn  more  of  that  Saviour  who  was 
meek  and  lowly  in  heart,  take  his  yoke  upon  us,  and  find 
)us  promised  rest  and  peace.  May  our  faith  in  him  con- 
tinually grow  stronger  and  more  efficacious,  and  that  same 
mind  and  spirit  be  in  us  which  was  in  him.  May  his  gos- 
pel he  completely  successful  in  correcting  our  errors,  in 
forming  within  us  the  amiable  graces  of  the  Christian  char- 
acter, in  supporting  us  under  the  difficulties  and  sufferings 
of  this  transitory  life,  and  in  preparing  us  for  the  glory 
which  is  ahout  to  be  revealed.  Having  lived  as  his  true 
followers,  may  the  rcmemhrance  of  his  crucifixion  and  tri- 
umph banish  every  fear  from  our  bosoms  in  the  hour  of 
death.  And,  in  the  day  of  judgment,  may  thy  grace  give 
us  the  portion  of  those,  to  whom  our  Lord  shall  say :  "Come, 
ft  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared 
"  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world." 

Almighty  God,  thou  desirest  not  the  destruction  of  any, 
hut  hast  loved  the  whole  world  and  given  thy  Son  to  taste 
death  for  every  man.  O  grant;  we  beseech  thee,  that  all 
the  children  of  Adam  may  rejoice  in  the  light  of  his  gos- 
pel, and  experience  the  invaluable  blessings,  which  are 
bestowed  upon  us  through  his  mediation.  Be  pleased  so 
to  direct  the  affairs  of  this  world,  and  to  smile  upon  all 
proper  means  for  the  advancement  of  thy  kingdom,  the 
kingdom  of  truth,  purity,  and  righteousness,  that  it  may 
soon  be  completely  and  universally  established.  Pitt  an 
end,  we  pray  thee,  to  tyranny  and  violence,  to  the  destruc- 
tive schemes  of  ungodly  ambition,  to  the  effusion  of  la:  man 
blood,  and  to  the  unnatural  devastations  ami  calamities  of 
var.  Dispose  all,  who  bear  the  name  of  thy  Son,  to  speak 
the  truth  in  love,  to  honour  each  other,  and  to  live  as 
brethren.  And  let  every  plant,  which  thou,  our  heavenly 
Father,  hast  not  planted,  be  rooted  up. 

Wo  praj  for  the  various  tribes  of  the  human  family. 
May  it  phase  the€  to  favour  ail  virtuous  and  pious  com- 
munities with  thy  special  protection,  and  lo  employ  all  the 
1  -  of  thy  government  for  the  reformation  of  stub  as 
are  vicious  and.  corrupt 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  19 

We  implore  thy  blessing,  especially,  upon  the  land  in 
-which  we  live.  Pour  out  upon  us,  O  God,  a  spirit  of  re- 
pentance and  reformation  of  all  our  national  sins.  Grant, 
that  our  civil  and  religious  liberties  may  he  secured  and 
preserved,  and  that  our  public  counsels,  founded  upon 
truth  and  righteousness,  may  he  crowned  with  success. 
May  all  our  magistrates,  judges,  and  rulers,  he  inspired 
with  wisdom  and  energy,  with  a  love  of  justice,  with  a 
zeal  for  religion,  and  with  a  generous  concern  for  the  hap- 
piness of  the  people.  May  all  the  ministers  of  thy  word 
be  found  faithful,  helpers  of  the  joy  of  their  fellow-chris- 
tians,  not  lords  over  thine  heritage,  but  examples  to  the 
flock.  May  it  please  thee  to  smile  upon  the  useful  la- 
bours of  the  various  classes  of  our  citizens,  to  give  us  the 
fruits  of  the  earth,  and  to  preserve  us  from  the  horrors  of 
war,  of  famine,  of  pestilence,  of  conflagrations,  and  other 
public  calamities.  Or,  shouldst  thou,  in  thine  infinite  wis- 
dom, visit  us  with  such  chastisements;  grant,  we  beseech 
thee,  that  they  may  not  terminate  in  our  destruction,  but 
co-operate  with  all  other  events  for  our  improvement  and 
everlasting  felicity. 

AYe  pray  thee,  O  thou  God  of  compassion  !  to  have  mer- 
cy upon  the  sons  arid  daughters  of  affliction.  Ease  the 
pained,  restore  the  sick,  strengthen  tiie  feeble,  support  the 
aged,  assist  the  tempted,  satisfy  the  doubting,  feed  the 
poor  with  bread,  plead  the  cause  of  the  oppressed,  and 
persecuted.  Preserve  those  who  travel  by  land  or  water; 
show  pity  upon  prisoners  and  captives;  do  thou, the  Father 
of  the  fatherless,  the  widow's  God,  bind  up  the  broken- 
hearted, and  comfort  those  that  mourn.  Turn  the  wicked 
from  even*  evil  way  ;  let  one  spirit,  the  spirit  of  harmony, 
piety,  love,  and  joy,  be  diffused  over  thy  creation;  and 
raise  all  men  to  those  pure  and  endless  pleasures,  which 
are  found  at  thy  right  hand. 

And  now  to  thee,  O  God,  who  hast  created  us,  to  thee 
who  hast  redeemed  us,  to  thee  who  art  sanctifying  thtj 
hearts  of  thy  faithful  servants,  be  everlasting  honour  and 
glory.     Amen. 

6. 

TXFIN1TE  and  incomprehensible  Jehovah,  whom  an- 
■*•  gels  and  archangels  delight  to  worship,  whom  tin* 
£   9 


90  GENERAL  PRAYERS, 

heaven  ol'  heavens  cannot  contain:  we  look  up  unto  thy 
throne  with  a  deep  conviction,  that  it  is  our  duty  to  ac- 
knowledge thee  in  all  our  ways,  and  devoutly  to  offer  unto 
thee  our  thanks  and  prayers.  We  praise  tnee  that  thou 
hast  heen  pleased  to  furnish  us  with  all  things  necessary  to 
life  and  godliness  in  the  doctrines  of  thy  holy  gospel ;  and 
we  would  implore  thy  gracious  assistance,  to  enable  us  to 
walk  worthy  of  our  high  vocation. 

Thou  hast  revealed  thyself  to  us  as  the  Creator  and  Ru- 
ler of  heaven  and  of  earth,  in  whom  we  and  all  other  be- 
ings live  and  move,  and  in  whose  hands  our  times  and  our 
fates  are  reposed. — Help  us,  therefore,  to  venerate  thee 
with  the  deepest  humility,  to  be  always  sensible  of  thy 
majesty  and  power,  to  subject  ourselves  to  thee  with  obe- 
dient hearts,  to  remember  our  entire  dependance  upon 
thy  will,  and  to  look  up  to  thee  alone  for  temporal  and 
eternal  happiness. 

Thou  hast  made  us  acquainted  with  thy  character,  as 
the  omnipresent  and  omniscient,  the  holy  and  righteous 
God,  to  whom  the  thoughts  of  all  are  perfectly  known,  who 
continually  beholds  both  the  evil  and  the  good,  who  is 
able  to  save  or  to  destroy, and  who  will  not  fail  to  reward 
or  punish  men  according  to  the  state  of  their  hearts  and 
the  tenour  of  their  lives. — Grant,  O  Lord,  we  beseech 
thee,  that,  under  the  influence  of  such  views  of  thy  per- 
fections, we  may  walk  before  thee  with  holy  care,  dread 
and  fly  from  every  secret  sin,  cherish  a  sacred  regard  to 
thine  authority  at  all  times  and  in  all  places,  zealously 
•  perform  whatever  thou  cominandest,  prefer  thy 
flip  and  approbation  to  every  other  object,  and 
never  despond  whilst  thou  the  Lord  God  omnipotent  art 
with  us. 

Thou  hast  taught  us  to  contemplate  thee  as  a  gracious 
and  merciful  Father,  delighting  to  do  good  to  thy  chil- 
xercising  forbearance  towards  our  infirmities,  and 
pardoning  those  who  renounce;  their  transgressions  and 
walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  spirit.  Dispose  us, 
by  such  considerations,  to  love  thee  supremely, to  rejoice 
in  thee  evermore,  to  adore  thee  with  filial  confidence,  and 
Lo  commit  our  bodies  and  souls  to  thee  with  immovable 
tranquility  and  hope. 

Thou  h:»st  given  us  thy  beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ,  to  be 
the  light  of  the  world,  the  conductor  of  our  souls  in  the 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  21 

path  of  righteousness  and  peace,  the  Mediator  between 
us  and  thee,  the  Redeemer  who  is  able  to  save  unlo  tb<- 
uttermost  and  to  raise  his  followers  to  his  own  honour  and 
felicity. — Grant,  ()  God,  that  we  may  fully  realize  the 
worth  of  his  gospel,  and  profess  it  openly  before  the 
world.  May  we  rejoice  in  his  doctrines,  death,  and  re- 
surrection, and  entertain  the  strongest  trust  in  his  promi- 
ses. May  we  place  ourselves  under  his  direction  and 
guidance,  keep  his  character  continually  before  our  eyes, 
and  look  unto  him  in  life  and  in  death  as  the  author  and 
finisher  of  our  faith. 

Almighty  God,  thou  hast  connected  us  together  in  a 
state  of  society  by  the  tenderest  ties,  and  appointed  us  to 
instruct,  to  counsel,  to  encourage,  to  relieve,  to  console, 
and  to  support  one  another. — May  we  ever  take  pleasure 
in  promoting  the  welfare  and  cheering  the  minds  of  our 
fellow-travellers  to  eternity.  May  we  always  cordially  love 
our  friends,  and  forgive  and  do  good  to  our  enemies,  per- 
secutors, and  slanderers.  May  we  faithfully  serve  one 
another  with  the  talents  and  possessions,  which  thou  hast 
confided  to  us  as  thy  stewards.  May  we  feel  and  act  as 
brethren,  the  servants  of  one  common  Master,  the  chil- 
dren of  the  same  Father  in  heaven,  the  heirs  of  the  same 
blessings  beyond  the  grave. 

Thou  hast  ordained,  that,  after  a  short  pilgrimage  on 
earth,  our  bodies  shall  die  and  our  spirits  ascend  unto  thee 
their  Maker.  Thou  hast  taught  us,  that  we  shall  all  be 
placed  before  the  judgment-seat  of  Jesus  Christ,  that  men 
shall  reap  what  they  have  sown  on  earth,  and  that  an  end- 
less duration  awaits  each  one  of  us. — O  God!  may  we 
never  boast  of  to-morrow,  nor  delay  the  performance  of 
the  work  which  thou  hast  given  us  to  do,  nor  attach  our- 
selves immoderately  to  this  world.  May  the  thought  of 
death  and  judgment  lead  us  to  frequent  and  serious  self- 
examination,  and  pn  Berve  us  from  engaging  in  vain  and 
criminal  pursuits.  May  it  he  our  first  concern,  to  be 
found  faithful  by  thee,  to  improve  and  exalt  the  faculties 
of  our  immortal  souls,  to  lav  up  treasures  in  heaven,  to 
keep  our  loins  girt  and  our  lamps  burning,  and  to  hold 
ourselves  in  constant  readiness  for  the  coming  of  the  great 
God  and  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ 

Ma\  every  truth  of  religion  he  rendered  impre- 
our  minds,  and  duly  influence  us  in  all  we  think  ant!  feel . 


22  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

and  say  and  do ;  that,  forgetting  the  things  which  are  be- 
hind, we  may  press  forward  continually  to  the  mark  of  our 
higli  calling,  and  obtain  the  prize  of  eternal  life,  which  thy 
grace  is  about  to  bestow  upon  thy  faithful  servants. 

Almighty  God,  thou  art  the  Father  of  all  mankind.  To 
the  protection  and  blessing  of  thy  providence  we  com- 
mend all  our  brethren, the  high  and  the  low,  the  rich  and 
the  poor ;  beseeching  thee  to  enable  them  to  discharge 
their  respective  duties,  and  to  enjoy  contentedly  whatever 
thou  bestowest  on  them. 

May  our  rulers  and  the  rulers  of  all  communities 
and  nations  be  duly  sensible  of  thy  sovereign  authority, 
and  of  the  rights  of  those  by  whom  they  are  intrusted  with 
the  weighty  charge  of  government;  obey  thee  in  all  hu- 
mility ;  and  exercise  their  power  with  wisdom,  fidelity,  and 
clemency. 

May  all,  who  are  subject  to  lawful  authority,  set  a  just 
value  on  the  blessings  of  good  government,  contribute 
their  several  parts  towards  the  public  order  and  happiness, 
and  conscientiously  fulfil  their  obligations. 

Bless  the  rich,  O  Lord,  with  a  disposition  to  do  good. 
Teach  the  poor  to  be  sober,  honest,  industrious, and  con- 
tented with  their  lot.  Help  all  who  suffer  distress  to  re- 
joice in  the  discoveries  of  thy  word,  and  to  commit  them- 
selves to  thy  keeping  in  patience  and  well-doing.  Lead  all 
classes  of  men  amongst  us  to  labour  in  their  vocations 
with  integrity,  diligence  and  zeal.  And  grant,  that,  by 
constantly  obeying  thy  laws,  by  mutually  exercising  equity 
and  kindness,  we  and  all  our  fellow-creatures  may  enjoy 
the  blessings  which  thou  givest  us  in  this  world,  and  be 
trained  up  for  the  participation  of  endless  felicity  in  the 
world  to  come,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

7. 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  who  art  infinite- 
ly exalted  above  every  created  being !  we  rejoice  that 
we  are  permitted  to  raise  our  thoughts  unto  thee,  and  to 
call  thee  our  Father.  We  adore  thee  as  the  Parent  of  an- 
gels and  of  men,  and  praise  thee  for  the  gracious  care  with 
which  thou  providest  for  our  temporal  and  spiritual  wel- 
fare.    And  we  pray,  that  we  may  be  animated  with  a  spirit 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  23 

of  filial  piety,  that  we  may  delight  in  the  contemplation  of 
thy  character  and  government,  and  call  upon  thee  at  all 
times  with  that  cheerfulness  and  confidence,  with  which 
affectionate  children  approach  a  kind  Am\  indulgent  Parent, 

Grant,  for  this  purpose,  we  beseech  thee,  that  we  and 
all  our  fellow-men  may  see  thee  more  and  more  perfectly 
as  thou  art,  and  entertain  worthy  conceptions  of  thy  in ■« 
ture,  government,  and  will. 

May  that  pare  and  undefiled  religion,  which  Jesus 
taught,  and  which  is  the  fountain  of  all  our  knowledge  of 
thee,  be  universally  diffused,  received,  obeyed,  and  de- 
monstrated to  he  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  to  all 
who  sincerely  believe  it.  Under  its  influence,  may  thy 
laws  be  fulfilled  with  alacrity  and  pleasure;  and  all  thy 
rational  creatures  on  earth  emulate  the  zeal  and  devotion 
of  angels  and  good  men  made  perfect. 

Thou  alone  knovvest,  great  God,  what  measure  of  health 
and  prosperity  is  good  for  man  all  the  days  of  his  life  on 
earth.  Bestow  upon  us,  we  beseech  thee,  what  thy  wis- 
dom sees  to  be  necessary.  Preserve  us  from  anxious  cares 
and  restless  desires.  Teach  us  to  moderate  our  attach- 
ment to  the  world,  to  be  content  with  our  lot,  and  to  be 
thankful  for  the  blessings  which  we  receive  from  thy  lib- 
eral hand. 

We  confess,  that  we  are  unprofitable  servants,  that  we 
have  not  deserved  thy  favours,  and  that  we  have  often  of- 
fended against  thy  holy  commandments.  But  we  implore 
from  thee,  who  delightest  to  show  compassion  unto  the 
contrite,  the  remission  of  all  our  errors  and  sins,  upon  the 
gracious  terms  proposed  in  thy  gospel.  Incline  our  hearts, 
by  a  lively  sense  of  our  many  frailties  and  of  our  great 
need  of  thy  mercy,  to  forgive  and  to  do  good  to  those  who 
may  injure  us.  And  as  we  are  conscious  of  our  own  weak- 
ness, we  entreat  thee,  the  Governor  of  the  Universe,  to 
place  us  in  circumstances  favourable  to  our  improvement. 
Assist  us  to  shun  the  snares  and  temptations  of  vice,  to 
avail  ourselves  of  every  means  of  grace,  to  fight  the  good 
fight  of  faith,  to  watch,  to  pray,  and  to  be  sober,  to  take 
up  the  cross  and  deny  ourselves,  following  our  great  Sa- 
viour and  Example  with  fidelity  and  constancy. 

Finally,  we  pray,  that  we  and  all  our  fellow-men  may  he 
enabled  to  bear  whatever  afflictions  thou  sendest  us,  and 
E  I  2 


2*  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

that  in  thine  own  good  season  we  may  be  delivered  from 
every  sorrow  and  distress.  Deliver  the  nations  from  all 
ignorance,  injustice,  tyranny  and  bloodshed.  Deliver  our 
country  from  every  evil  which  we  feel  or  fear.  Deliver 
the  sick  and  the  unhappy  from  the  calamities  which  they 
suffer.  Deliver  the  souls  of  the  dying  from  gloomy  fears, 
and  grant  them  an  abundant  entrance  into  the  land  of  eter- 
nal love  and  joy. 

We  offer  up  these  our  supplications  unto  thee  as  the 
disciples  of  thy  Son,  and  with  full  reliance  upon  his  assur- 
ance that  those  who  ask  with  sincerity  and  faith  shall  re- 
ceive. Thy  power  is  equal  to  thy  goodness.  All  things 
in  heaven  and  on  earth  are  at  thy  disposal.  And  thine  be 
the  honour,  the  glory,  the  gratitude  and  the  praise,  for 
ever  and  ever,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Mediator  and 
Redeemer.    Amen. 


8- 

OUR  Father  who  art  in  heaven !  look  down  in  mercy 
upon  thy.  needy  and  dependant  children,  who  have 
come  to  thine  altar  with  the  sacrifice  of  prayer  and  thanks- 
giving. We  approach  thee  with  the  persuasion,  that  thou 
art  elevated  above  all  our  praise, and  that  no  tribute  from 
mortals  can  add  to  thy  happiness  or  glory.  The  faculties, 
with  which  we  worship  thee,  are  thy  gift;  of  thee,  and 
through  thee,  and  to  thee,  are  all  things.  Rut  we  rejoice, 
that,  though  thou  art  too  great  to  need  our  offerings,  thou 
art  too  good  to  despise  them.  We  bless  thee,  that  we  are 
indulged  in  the  invaluable  honour  and  privilege  of  spread- 
ing our  wants  before  thee.  We  bless  thee,  that  whilst  thou 
art  superintending  the  concerns  of  ten  thousand  worlds, 
thou  condescendest  to  hear  our  supplications,  and  to  num- 
ber the  very  hairs  of  our  heads.  We  bless  thee  for  the 
promise  of  thy  word,  that  thou  wilt  be  nigh  unto  all  those 
who  call  upon  thee  in  sincerity  and  truth.  Fulfil  now,  O 
Lord, the  desires  and  petitions  of  thy  servants,  as  shall  be 
most  expedient  for  them.  May  it  please  thee,  of  thine  in- 
finite mercy,  to  give  us  health  of  body  and  cheerfulness  of 
mind,  to  prosper  our  honest  industry,  and  to  protect  us 
from  danger  and  distress,  if  thine  unerring  wisdom  shall 
perceive  mis  to  be  good  for  us.  Vouchsafe,  of  thine  infinite 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  25 

mercy,  to  blot  out  our  many  sins  and  iniquities,  and  to 
spare  and  save  the  souls  of  thy  servants,  who  with  unfeign- 
ed contrition  draw  near  to  thy  throne  through  the  blood 
of  the  everlasting  covenant.  Conduct  us  by  thy  Spirit  and 
providence,  in  safety,  through  this  transitory  world.  Lead 
us  to  the  perception  of  every  necessary  truth.  Implant 
and  nourish  in  our  hearts  pious  principles  and  virtuous  af- 
fections. Sanctify  us  in  the  springs  01  action;  assist  us  to 
govern  our  tempers  and  passions;  enable  us  to  live  not  by 
sight,  but  by  faith,  the  faith  of  that  Lord  who  hath  loved  us 
and  given  himself  for  us.  and  to  adorn  our  profession  by  an 
unblamable  walk  and  conversation.  Vouchsafe  to  prepare 
each  one  of  us  for  our  respective  situations,  circumstances 
and  trials.  Incline  the  young,  O  God,  to  cultivate  a  sober 
mind,  to  remember  thee  their  Creator,  Redeemer,  and 
Judge,  and  to  acquire  those  habits,  which  will  secure  their 
present  peace  and  usefulness,  and  qualify  them  for  celes- 
tial felicity.  Lead  those,  v. ho  have  arrived  to  the  middle 
stage  of  life,  to  labour  while  it  is  day  in  thy  service  and  for 
the  benefit  of  their  fellow-men,  before  the  night  Cometh 
when  no  man  can  work.  Support  thine  aged  servants  un- 
der all  their  infirmities,  and  help  them  by  their  example 
to  convince  the  rising  generation,  that  religion  has  power 
to  shed  comfort  upon  the  decline  of  life  and  to  smooth  the 
passage  to  the  tomb.  Dispose  such  as  are  possessed  of 
this  world's  goods,  to  enjoy  them  with  a  temperate  and 
thankful  soul,  and  to  be  ready  to  distribute  their  treasures 
for  the  relief  of  the  necessitous.  Inspire  the  poor  and  the 
afflicted  with  submission  and  hope,  and  assist  them  to  se- 
cure themselves  unfading  riches  beyond  the  grave.  Grant 
that,  as  parents  or  children,  as  masters  or  servants,  as 
members  of  families  and  citizens  of  the  state,  we  may  dis- 
charge our  obligations  with  diligence  and  care,  and  shine 
as  lights  in  thy  church  on  earth.  While  we  are  fervent  in 
spirt  and  zealous  of  good  works,  may  we  possess  that 
peace  which  the  world  is  unable  to  give,  and  go  on  our 
way  rejoicing.  In  every  situation  in  which  we  shall  be 
placed,  may  it  be  our  chief  care  to  be  found  doing  justly, 
loving  mercy,  walking  humbly  before  thee  the  Lord  our 
God,  following  our  Saviour  .Jesus  Christ,  and  seeking  thy 
heavenly  kingdom.  In  joy  and  sorrow,  in  life  and  death. 
may  our  souls  be  stayed  upon  thee,  and  triumph  in  the  as- 
surance of  thy  love  and  of  the  resurrection  of  the  just. 


2G  PRAYERS  AFTER  SERMON. 

These  blessings,  which  we  solicit  for  ourselves,  we  be- 
seech thee,  Father  of  mercies,  to  extend  unto  all  our  breth- 
ren, and  finally  to  receive  them  and  us  into  the  mansions 
of  everlasting  ljfe  and  bliss,  through  thy  rich  and  fnc 
grace  in  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Lord  and  Saviour. 
Amen. 


SECTION  III. 

FOUR  PRAYERS  after  sermon. 
1. 

OGOD,  the  eternal  source  of  wisdom  and  purity,  from 
whom  all  good  counsels,  all  holy  desires,  and  nil  just 
works  do  proceed;  we  offer  up  our  prayers  unto  thee,  be- 
seeching thee  to  sanctify  our  hearts  by  thy  holy  word. 
What  we  know  not,  teach  thou  us.  Whatever  is  wrong 
in  us,  dispose  and  enable  us  to  reform.  Whatever  in  us 
is  good,  assist  us  to  carry  forward  to  perfection.  Grant 
that  we  may  go  forth  into  the  world  with  the  spirit  of  true 
religion  in  our  souls,  and  spend  all  our  days  in  thy  fear 
and  love;  that  we  may  depart  from  this  scene  of  dis- 
cipline, whenever  thou  shalt  take  us  aw  ay,  with  Christian 
hope,  and  be  admitted  into  thy  sacred  temple  above 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


ACCEPT,  O  thou  God  of  compassion,  the  thankful  ac- 
knowledgments of  our  hearts  for  the  privileges  which 
we  hare  enjoyed  at  this  time.  Forgive  the  imperfection 
of  our  devotions  and  whatever  thy  pure  eyes  may  have 
seen  amiss  in  us.  Of  thy  great  mercy,  grant  us  such  things 
as  shall  be  good  for  us,  though  we  may  neglect  to  pray 
for  them  ;  and  deny  us  such  things  as  would  lie  hurtful  to 
us,  though  we  should  earnestly  desire  them.  Impress 
upon  our  minds  the  solemn  counsels  of  thy  word,  and  let 
not  the  cares  or  pleasures  of  the  world  prevent  or  impair 
their  efficacy.  I  lei])  us  to  walk  as  in  thy  sacred  pr< 
and  at  last  vouchsafe  to  receive  us  into  glory,  through 
.l«-3us  Christ  our  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen. 


SCRIPTURAL  BENEDICTIONS.  27 

8 

ALMIGHTY  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  through  whose 
infinite  goodness  we  have  been  permitted  to  offer  up 
our  united  supplications  and  to  meditate  upon  the  inter- 
ests of  our  immortal  souls:  hear  thou  in  heaven,  we  be- 
seech thee,  the  petitions  of  our  hearts,  and  give  thy  bless- 
ing to 'the  lessons  which  we  have  learned,  as  far  as  they 
agree  with  thy  truth  in  scripture.  Establish  our  mind-. 
in  the  love  of  every  Christian  ordinance  and  duty.  Grant, 
that  this  house  of  prayer  may  become  and  continue  to  us 
the  gate  of  heaven,  the  temple  of  devout  and  holy  joy,  the 
refuge  of  our  souls  from  the  trials  and  temptations  of  life, 
the  school  of  genuine  wisdom  and  virtue.  Fit  us  more 
and  more  perfectly  for  glorifying  thy  name  upon  earth, 
and  for  singing  thy  praise  in  the  mansions  of  thy  house 
above,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Mediator  and  Redeemer. 
Amen. 

4. 

GTJAXT,  we  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  that  the 
words  which  we  have  heard  this  day  with  our  out- 
ward ears,  may  be  so  grafted  inwardly  in  our  hearts,  that 
they  may  bring  forth  in  us  the  fruit  of  good  living,  to  the 
honour  and  praise  of  thy  name,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

OUR  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy 
name,  fccc.  fccc. 

SECTION   IV. 

SCRIPTURAL  BEJYEDICTIOJfS  for  the  conclu- 
sion of  public  "worship. 
1 
nPIIE  Lord  bless  thee  and  keep  thee.  The  Lord  make 
■*  his  face  to  shine  on  thee,  and  be  gracious  unto  thee. 
The  Lord  lift  up  his  countenance  on  thee,  and  give  thee 
peace.     Amen. 

2. 

THE  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  love  of  God 
our  heavenly  Father,  and  the  communion  of  his  holy 
Spirit,  be  with  us  and  with  all  our  brethren  of  mankind, 
now  and  evermore.    Amen* 


Jg  GOSPELS  AND  EPISTLES. 

3. 

MAY  gpace  and  peace  be  multiplied  unto  us  and  all 
men,  through  the  knowledge  of  God  and  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

4- 

THE  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  us  all. 
Amen. 

5. 

.THE  God  of  peace,  that  brought  Rain  from  the  dead 
our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd  of  the  she(  p,  through 
the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  make  as  perfect  in 

every  good  work  to  do  his  will,  working  in  us  that  which 
is  well-pleasing  in  his  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ;  to 
whom  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

6. 

THE  God  of  all  grace,  who  hath  called  us  unto  his 
eternal  glory  by  Christ  Jesus,  make  you  perfect, establish, 

strengthen,  settle  you.  To  him  be  glory  and  dominion 
for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


SECTION  V. 

.7  Table  of  the  selections  from  the  Scriptures  common*  y 
"  called  the  "  Gospels  and  Epistle*." 
N.  R. — These  selections  are  added  to  the  Liturgy,  he- 
cause  it  has  been  customary  in  mani  of  the  Luth  ran 
churches  in  the  United  States  to  lube  mem  read  regularly 
in  public  worship.  But  it  is  neoessan  to  remark  concern- 
ing them,  that  there  is  an  impropriety  in  congregations 
confining  themselves  year  after  year,  to  these  portions  of 
the  sacred  volume, and  neglecting  all  the  rest, when  they 
meet  together  for  instruction  and  prayer.  Besides,  al- 
though some  of  these  selections  are  excellent,  not  a  feu 
of  them  have  been  chosen  injudiciously,  or  are  so  unnat- 
urally torn  away  from  tin  context,  as  tO  be  dark  ;\\[\  mi- 
edifying,  instead  of  exhibiting  a  clear  and  connected  "new 
of  the  great  facts,  truths,  and  lessons,  contained  in  holy 
writ,  especially  of  those  which  are  most  interesting  to 
<  Christians.  It  is  very  desirable,  that  other  and  larger  sec- 
tions of  the  scriptures  should  be  read  in  our  religious  as- 


GOSPELS  AND  EPISTLES.  29 

semblies;  and  it  is  pleasing  to  find,  that  this  is  done  in  the 
Evangelic*!  Lutheran  Churches  in  Saxouj,  Wirteraberg, 

and  other  protestant  countries  in  Germany. 

Rom.  12.  17-21. 

The  4  Sunday  after  Epiph. 

Matth.  Sr.  23-27. 


The  t  Sunday  in  Advent. 
The  G*ty.-Matth.  21.  1—9. 
The  Epist.-Rom.  13. 11 — 14. 

The  2  Sunday  in  Advent. 
Luke  21.  25— 36. 
Rom.  15.  4 — 13. 
The  3  Sunday  in  Advent. 
Matth.  11.  2—10. 
1  Cor.  4.  1—5. 
The  4  Sunday  in  Advent, 
John  1.  19— 28. 
Philipp.  4.  4 — 7. 
Christmas  dau. 
Luke  2.  1 — I4r 
Titus  2.  11—14. 
The  Sundae  after  Christmas. 
Luke  2.\33— 40. 
G:d.4.  1-7. 
J\*c*>- Years  day,  or  the  Cir- 
cumcision of  CJaist. 
Luke  2.  21. 
Gal.  3.  23-20. 
The  1  Sunday  after  J^ewyear, 
.Matth.' 2.*  13-23,  or 
Matth.  3.  13-17. 
1  Peter  4.  12-1 9,  or 
Titus  3.  4—7. 
The  Epiphany ,or Manifesta- 
tion '>f  Christ  to  the  Gentiles. 
'Matth.  2.  1-12. 
Isaiah  Co.  1—6,  or 
Ephes.  3.  1—12. 
The  1  sunday  after  Epiphan  v. 
Luke  2.  41—52. 
Rom.  12.  1—6. 
The  2  Sunday  after  Epiph 
John  2.  I— U. 
Rom.  12.  6—16. 
The  3  Sunday  after  Epiph 
Matth.  8.  1-13. 


Horn.  13.  8-10. 
The  5  Sunday  after  Epiph. 

Matth.  13.  24-30. 

Coloss.  3.  12-17. 
The  6  Sunday  after  Epiph. 

Matth.  17.  1-9. 

2  Peter  1.  16-21. 
Scptuagesima,  or  the  3  San- 
da:'  before  Lent. 

Matth!  30.  1—16. 

1  Cor.  9.  24—27. 
Sexagesima,or  the 2  Sunday 

before  Lent. 
Luke  8.  4-15. 

2  Cor.  11.  19-31. 
Quinquapesima,  or  the  Su?i- 

day  before  Lent. 
Luke  18.  31—43. 

1  Cor.  13. 

The  1  Sunday  in  Lent. 
Matth.  4.  1  —  11. 

2  Cor.  6.  1-10. 
The  2  Sunday  in  Ia»i(. 

Matth.  15.21—28. 

1  Thess.  4,  1-7. 
The  3  Si '.n da n  in  Lent. 

Luke  11.  14-23. 

Ephes.  5.  1—13. 
The  4  Sunday  in  I 

John  6.  1-15. 

Gal.  4.  21-31. 
The  5  Sunday  in  Lent. 

John  8.  46-59. 

Heb.  9.  11-15. 
The  0  Sunday  in  I 

Matth.  21.1-9. 

Philipp.  2.  5-1 :. 


30  GOSPELS  AND  EPISTLES. 

1  Cor.  11.23-32. 
Good- Friday. 
Matth.  26.  36  to  the  end  of 
ch.  27,  or  Mark  14.  32  to  the 
end  of  ch.  15,  or  Luke  22.  39 
to  the  end  of  ch.  23,  or  John 

18,  and  19. 

Isaiah  53. 

Easter. 

Mark  16.  1-8. 

1  Cor.  5.  6-8. 

Easter-Monday. 

Luke  24.  13—35. 

Acts  10.  34—41. 
The  I  Sunday  after  Easter 

John  20.  19-31. 

1  John  5.  4-10. 
The  2  Sunday  after  Easter 

John  10.  11-16. 

1  Peter  2.  21-25. 
The  3  Sunday  after  Easter. 

John  16.  16-23. 

1  Peter  2.  11-20. 
The  4  Sunday  after  Easter. 

John  16.  5-15. 

James  1    16—21. 
The  5  Sunday  after  Easter. 

John  16.  23-30. 

James  1.  22—27. 
Ascension-day. 

Mark  16.  14--20. 

Acts  1.  I— 11. 
Tlie  Sunday  after  Ascen- 
sion-aay. 

John  15.  26-16.  4. 

1  Peter  4.  7-11. 
ft  hit sunday. 

John  14.  23-31. 

Acts  3.  1-12. 

Whits  un-  .Monday . 

John  3.  16-21. 

Acts  10.  42-48. 


Trinity  Sunday, 

John  3.  1—15. 

Horn.  1 1 .  33-36. 
Thel  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Luke  16.  19-31. 

1  John  4.  16-21. 
The  2  Sunday,  &c. 

Luke  14.  16-24. 

1  John  3.  13-18. 
T/ie  3  Sunday,  &c. 

Luke  15.  1—10. 

1  Peter  5.  6-11. 
TJw  4  Sunday,  &c. 

Luke  6.  36-42. 

Rom.  8.  18-23. 
The  5  Sunday,  &c. 

Luke  5.  1-1 1. 

I  Peter  3.  8-15. 
The  6  Sunday,  &c. 

Matth.  5.  20-26. 

Rom.  6.  3-11. 
The  7  Sunday,  &c. 

Mark  8.  1-9. 

Rom.  6.  19-23. 
The  8  Sunday,  &c. 

Matth.  7.  15-23. 

Rom.  8.  12-17. 

The  9  Sunday,  &c. 

Luke  16.  1-9. 

1  Cor.  10.  6-13. 
The  10  Sunday,  &c. 

Luke  19.  41-48. 

1  Cor.  12.  1-11. 
The  U  Sunday,  &c. 

Luke  18.9-14. 

1  Cor.  15.  I— 10. 
The  12  Sunday,  ^Jc. 

Murk  7.  31-37. 

2  Cor.  3.  4-1 1. 
The  13  Sunday,  &r. 

Luke  10.  23-37. 
Gai.  3.  15-2?-. 


BAPTISM. 


31 


The\i  Sunday,  &c. 

Luke  17.  11-19. 

Gal.  5.  16-24. 
The  15  Sunday,  &c. 

Matth.  6.  24-34. 

Gal.  5.  25~ch.  6,  10. 
The  16  Sunday,  &c. 

Luke  7.  11-17. 

Ephes.  3.  13-21. 
The  17  Sunday,  tjc, 

Luke  14.  1-11. 

Ephes.  4.  1-6. 
The  18  Sunday,  &c. 

Matth.  28.  34-46. 

1  Cor.  1.4-9. 
77a?  19  Sunday,  Uc. 

Matth.  9.  1-8. 

Ephes.  4-  22-28. 
The  20  Sunday,  &c. 

Matth.  22.  1-14. 

Ephes.  5.  15-21. 


The  21  Sunday,  &c. 

John  4.  47—54. 

Ephes.  6.  10-17. 
The  22  Sunday,  &c. 

Matth.  18.23—35. 

Philipp.  I.  3-11. 
The  23  Sunday,  &c. 

Matth.  22.  15-22. 

Philipp.  3.  17-21. 
The  24  Sunday,  &c. 

Matth.  9.  18-26. 

Coloss.  1.  9-14. 
The  25  Sunday,  &c. 

Matth.  24.  15-28. 

1  Thess.  4.  13-18. 
772t>26  Sunday,  &c. 

Matth.  25.  31-46. 

2  Peter  3.  3-14. 
77*e27  Sunday, &c. 

Matth.  24.  30-ch.  25.  1-30. 
1  Thess.  5.  1-11. 


SECTION  VI. 

THE  MINISTRATION  OF  BAPTISM 

TO  INFANTS. 

Mdress  of  the  Minister  to  the  parents  or  other  sponsors  of 
the  child  to  be  baptized. 
My  Christian  Friends, 

IT  was  the  command  of  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  to  his 
apostles,  that  they  should  go  and  make  disciples  of  all 
nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of 
the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  (ihost.  He  declared  to  those, 
among  whom  he  lived,  "  Except  a  man  be  born  again,  he 
"  cannot  see  the  Kingdom  of  God."  And  he  requires, 
that  we  all  be  directed  in  our  sentiments  and  deportment 
by  his  doctrine  and  example,  and  that  the  same  mind  be 
in  us  which  was  in  him. 

This  sanctification  of  the  heart  and  life  is  signifioxi  by 
the  sacramental  rite,  which   our  Lord  instituted    as  the 
means  of  introducing  the  members  of  his  visible  church  ou 
Fp 


32  BAPTISM. 

earth,  as  water  purifies  our  bodies  from  all  unclranness  ; 
so  the  religion  of  Christ,  into  which  jre  are  initiated  by 
baptism,  is  perfectly  adapted  to  cleanse  and  purify  our 
souls.  And  as  Almighty  God,  in  receiving  us  through 
this  ordinance  into  his  new  covenant,  graciously  offers  and 
bestows  upon  us  the  highest  religious  advantages,  the  as- 
surance of  his  mercy,  the  promise  of  the  assistance  of  his 
Spirit,  and  the  hope  of  everlasting  happiness;  so,  likewise, 
by  this  institution,  we  are  brought  under  the  most  solemn 
obligations  to  follow  after  holiness.  "  The  Baptism,  which 
"  saves  us,  is  not  the  putting  away  the  filth  of  the  flesh,  but 
"  the  answer  of  a  good  conscience  toward  God.  " 

We  are  assured  in  scripture,  that  the  promises  of  God 
belong  not  only  to  us,  but  to  our  children.  Among  the 
people  of  Israel,  infants  were  received,  by  the  divine  com- 
mand, into  the  covenant  which  was  made  with  Abraham 
and  his  descendants.  When  heads  of  families  were  con- 
verted to  Christianity  by  the  agency  of  the  Apostles,  not 
only  they,  but  their  household,  were  baptized.  And  we 
have  moreover,  the  strongest  proof  of  the  love  of  God  to 
young  children,  and  of  their  fitness  for  his  kingdom,  iu 
the  declaration  of  our  blessed  Saviour,  the  image  and  re- 
presentative of  his  Father.  "  They  brought  young  children 
"  unto  him,"  says  St.  Mark,  "  that  he  should  touch  them  ; 
"  and  his  disciples  rebuked  those  that  brought  them.  But 
u  when  Jesus  saw  it,  he  was  much  displeased  and  said  unto 
'•them:  Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto  me,  and 
"forbid  them  not;  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  God. 
"  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  whosoever  shall  not  receive  the 
"kingdom  of  heaven  as  a  little  child,  he  shall  not  enter 
'•  therein.  And  he  took  them  up  in  his  arms,  put  his  hands 
';  upon  them,  and  blessed  them." 

Thus  encouraged,  you  bring  this  child  to  be  added  to 
the  church  of  the  Redeemer,  professing  your  own  Chris- 
tian faith,  and  your  desire  that  he  fshrj  should  realize  the 
blessings  of  the  gospel,  and  promising  to  employ  your  best 
endeavour*  for  the  accomplishment  of  this  object. 

1  a&k you,  therefore,  before  God  and  these  witnesses: 
Do  you  renounce,  and   will   you  faithfully  exhort  this 

ehUd   to   renounce  the  devil  and  all  his  works  and  v»  < 

Answ.  Yes. 

Do  you  believe  in  God.  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker  of 

heaven  and  earth  ? 


BAPTISM.  33 

And  in  Jesus  Christ,  his  only  Son,  our  Lord,  who  was 
conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary, 
suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead  and 
buried;  who  descended  into  hell,  the  third  day  arose  from 
the  dead,  ascended  into  heaven,  and  sitteth  at  the  right 
hand  of  God  the  Father  Almighty,  from  whence  he  shall 
come  to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead  P 

Do  you  also  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  holy  catho- 
lic church,  the  communion  of  saints,  the  forgiveness  of  sins, 
the  resurrection  of  the  body,  and  the  life  everlasting  P — ■ 
Answ.  Yes. 

Is  it  your  desire,  that  this  child  shall  be  baptized  into 
the  Christian  faith;  and  are  you  resolved  to  instruct  him 
carefully  in  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus,  and  to  teach  him 
to  walk  according  to  its  holy  commandments  P-Answ.  Yes. 

Instead  of  the  preceding  questions,  tlie  follotiing  may  be 
proposed:  Do  you  sincerely  believe  in  the  divine  author- 
ity of  the  religion  of  Jesus,  as  it  has  been  handed  down  to 
us  in  the  writings  of  the  Evangelists  and  Apostles  P  Is  it 
your  intention  to  educate  ihis  child  in  the  knowledge  and 
love  of  the  gospel  P  And  do  you  engage  to  use  all  neces- 
sary care  and  diligence,  by  instruction,  admonition,  exam- 
pit-,  and  discipline,  that  he  shall  renounce  and  avoid  every 
thing  that  is  evil,  and  that  he  shall  keep  God's  holy  will 
and  commandments  as  declared  in  his  sacred  wordp — If 
this  be  your  faith  and  serious  resolution,  please  to  profess 
the  same,  by  answering,  "Yes.  " 

X.  I  baptize  thee  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Let  us  pray.— 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God  !  we  adore  thee  as  the 
great  Parent  of  the  children  of  men,  as  the  Father  of  our 
spirits  and  the  former  of  our  bodies.  We  praise  thee  for 
giving  existence  to  this  infant,  and  for  preserving  him  until 
this  day.  We  bless  thee,  that  he.  is  called  to  virtue  and 
glory,  that  h»  has  now-  been  dedicated  to  thee  and  brought 
within  the  pale  of  the  Christian  church.  We  thank  thee, 
that  by  the  gospel  of  thy  Son  he  is  furnished  with  every 
thing  necessary  to  his  spiritual  happiness  ;  that  it  supplies 
light  for  his  mind  and  comfort  tor  his  heart,  encouragement 
and  power  to  discharge  his  duty,  and  the  precious  hope  of 
mercy   ami  immortality  to  sustain  and  make  him  faithful. 


o-i  BAPTISM. 

And  we  beseech  thee  to  grant,  0  ni09t  merciful  God,  tha? 
this  child  may  be  enlightened  and  sanctified  from  his  early 
years  by  thy  Holy  Spirit, and  be  everlastingly  9avedbythy 
mercy.  Direct  and  Moss  thy  servants,  who  are  intrusted 
with  the  care  of  him,  in  the  momentous  work  of  his  educa- 
tion. Inspire  them  with  just  conceptions  of  the  absolute 
necessity  of  religious  instructions  and  principles.  Forbid 
that  they  should  ever  forget,  that  their  offspring  belong  to 
thee  ;  and  that,  if,  through  their  criminal  neglect  or  had 
example,  thy  reasonable  creature  be  lost, thou  wilt  require 
it  at  their  hands.  Give  them  a  deep  sense  of  the  dignity 
of  his  nature,  of  the  worth  of//**  soul,  and  of  the  dangers  to 
which  he  will  be  exposed  ;  of  the  honour  and  felicity  to 
which  he  is  capable  of  ascending  with  thy  blessing,  and  of 
the  nun  in  this  world  and  the  misery  in  the  world  to  come 
which  spring  from  wicked  passions  and  conduct.  Give 
them  grace  to  check  the  first  risings  of  forbidden  inclina- 
tions in  Iiis  breast,  to  be  his  defence  against  the  tempta- 
tions incident  to  childhood  and  youth,  and  as  he  grows  up, 
to  enlarge  Mi  understanding  and  to  lead  him  to  an  acquaint- 
ance with  thee  and  with  Jesus  Christ  whom  thou  hast  sent. 
Give  them  grace  to  cultivate  in  his  heart  a  supreme  reve- 
rence and  love  for  thee,  a  grateful  attachment  to  the  gospel 
of  thy  Son  his  Saviour,  a  due  regard  for  all  its  ordinances 
and  institutions,  a  temper  of  kindness  and  good-will  to  all 
mankind]  and  an  invincible  love  of  sincerity  and  truth. 
Help  them  to  watch  continually  over  him  with  tender  so- 
licitude, to  be  studious  that  by  their  conversation  and  de- 
portment his  heart  ma\  not  be  corrupted,  and  at  all  times 
to  set  before  him  such  an  example  that  he  may  safely  tread 
in  their  footsteps,  [fit  please  thee  to  prolong  his  days  on 
earth,  grant  that  he  may  prove  an  honour  and  a  comfort  to 
his  parents  -and  friends,  be  useful  in  the  world,  and  find  in 
thy  providence  an  unfailing  defence  and  support  W  heth- 
er //"  live,  let  him  live  to  thee;  or  whether  //edie.  let  him 
die  to  thee.  Aik!:  ft1  the  great  day  of  account,  may  he  and 
hit  parents  meet  each  other  with  rapture,  and  rejoice  to- 
gether in  thy  redeeming  love  through  Jesus  Christ,  for 
ever  and  ever.    Amen. 

TheJbUoxtfingLexhortation1  or  any  other  which  the  .)////- 
titer  mayjudgi  proper,  may  be  atlartHedto  the  parent*. 

Solemn  and  momentous  indeed  is  your  duty,  my  friends. 


BAPTISM  35 

ami  great  your  responsibility  to  the  Judge  of  all.  To  guide 
this  treble  and  ignorant  creature  in  the  road  to  happiness  ; 

to  contribute  to  the  unfolding  of  Am  powers,  and  to  teach 
him  to  make  a  worthy  use  of  them;  to  cherish  the  good, 
and  to  repress  the  evil  dispositions,  which  may  rise  up  in 
his  mind  ;  to  guard  him  from  error,  vice  and  misery  ;  to 
make  him  acquainted  with  the  great  design  of  his  being  ;  to 
lead  him  to  truth,  wisdom,  piety,  and  virtue  ;  to  fit  Jam  for 
acting  his  part  well  on  the  theatre  of  this  world;  and  to 
prepare  him  for  endless  bliss  in  the  world  to  come: — what 
a  noble,  delightful,  and  arduous  employment  !  What  a  re- 
commence will  attend  it,  if  well  performed,  both  here  and 
hereafter.  What  cutting  sorrow  would  you  be  doomed 
to  feel,  should  you  neglect  this  duty,  or  acquit  yourselves 
ill  in  it ! — Let  it  be  your  great  aiiu  to  discharge  this  obli- 
gation with  fidelity  ;  and,  having  been  the  instruments  of 
giving  life  to  this  infant,  let  it  be  the  subject  of  your  pray- 
ers and  the  end  of  your  endeavours.that  you  may  meet  Ami 
among  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect  before  the 
throne  of  God  and  the  Lamb.      Amen. 


SECTION  VII. 

THE   MINISTRATION  OF   BAPTISM  TO  SUCH 
AS  ARE  OF  RIPER  YEARS. 

Dearly  Beloved, 

OL'R  blessed  Saviour,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  having  him- 
self published  his  religion  for  the  salvation  of  the  world, 
to  the  Jewish  nation,  commissioned  his  apostles  to  com- 
plete the  work  which  he  had  begun.  "All  power,"  said 
he, "  is  given  unto  me  in  heaven  and  in  earth.  Go,  ye, 
"  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the 
"name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
u  Ghost ;  teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I 
"  have  commanded  ynu.  "  In  obedience  to  this  direction, 
his  disciples  preached  his  gospel  in  various  parts  of  the 
earth  ;  and  as  many,  as  professed  "  repentance  toward  God 
u  and  faith  toward  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  "were  received 
and  acknowledged  by  baptism  as  members  of  his  church. 
F  F  3 


36  BAPTISM. 

The  Jews  were  required  to  renounce  their  corrupt  preju- 
dices and  customs;  the  heathens,  to  forsake  their  idolatry 
and  superstition :  and  it  was  enjoined  upon  both,  that  they 
should  relinquish  every  evil  thought  and  way.  enter  upon 
anew  and  better  course  of  thinking  and  li\ing,  and  be 
guided  in  all  respects  by  the  sacred  principles  of  the  gos- 
pel, if  they  were  desirous  of  securing  the  blessedness  of 
true  Christians. 

By  the  ordinance  of  Baptism,  Christ  has  most  w  m  1;. 
provided  for  preserving  his  church  and  for  maintaining 
among  us  a  sense  of  the  holiness  and  regenerating  influ- 
ence of  his  doctrine.  Water  was  appointed  by  him  to  be 
employed  as  an  emblem  of  spiritual  purity,  or  of  that  moral 
and  religious  improvement  in  which  all  our  Christian  ad- 
vantages are  to  terminate.  And  it  is  designed  by  him, 
that  it  shall  be  said  of  all  who  embrace  his  religion  :"  ye 
"  are  washed,  ye  are  sanctified,  ye  are  justified,  in  the 
"name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  by  the  spirit  of  our  Cod.  " 

Such  is  the  origin  and  nature  of  this  rite.  You,  my 
brother  (sister)  in  the  profession  of  \  our  Christian  faith, 
present  yourself  to  be  baptized  according  to  this  institu- 
tion. I  ask  you,  therefore,  in  the  presence  of  these  wit- 
nesses, and  before  that  august  Being  who  searcheth  the 
heart, 

Q.  Do  you  sincerely  believe  in  the  divine  authority  of 
the  religion  of  Jesus,  as  it  is  contained  in  holy  scripture, 
receiving  it  as  the  rule  of  your  faith  and  as  your  guide 
through  all  the  changes  of  this  life  to  that  a  hich  is  to  come  \ 

Ann*,  I  do. 

Q.  Do  you  renounce  all  sinful  desires  and  works,  and 
promise,  by  the  help  of  God,  to  adorn  your  profession 
with  an  holy  life  and  conversation  } 

A.  I  do  ;  and,  by  the  help  of  God,  I  w  ill  endeavour  to 
fulfil  this  promise. 

Upon  this  your  solemn  profession  and  promise,  1  bap- 
tise thee,  N.  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son, 
aud  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

I ^t  us  pray. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  God,  the  Father  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  hath  taught  na  bj  his  own  conduct 

to  fulfil  all  righteousness;  we  offer  unto  thee  our  thankful 


BAPTISM. 
acknowledgments,  that  this  thy  servant  has  now  been  en- 
grafted into  the  body  of  Christ's  church,  and  been  made  a 
partaker  of  those  heavenly  blessings  which  we  have  re- 
ceived through  our  great  Mediator.  Accept,  we  beseech 
thee,  this  instance  of  his  obedience  to  thy  will  and  this 
manifestation  of  hit  desire  to  please  thee.  If,  through  his 
own  neglect  and  the  temptations  which  are  in  the  world, 
he  has  entertained  any  evil  affection  or  offended  against 
thy  holy  laws;  we  beseech  thee  in  thine  infinite  mercy  to 
pardon  him.  Pour  out  upon  him  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  as- 
sist him  to  accomplish  hi*  vows.  Incline  Am  'heart  to  study 
with  diligence  and  meekness  the  sacred  records  of  our  re- 
ligion, to  receive  with  all  readiness  the  doctrines  and  in- 
structions of  thy  Son,  to  submit  faithfully  to  the  authority 
of  his  laws,  and  on  no  occasion  to  be  afraid  or  ashamed  of 
confessing  his  name.  Give  him  strength  to  triumph  over 
every  allurement  and  terror,  that  would  draw  Jam  aside 
from  the  path  of  duty ;  that,  as  Christ  died  and  rose  again, 
so  he  being  baptized,  may  die  unto  sin,  and  rise  unto  right- 
eousness. Help  Jam  to  avail  JdmseJfo£  all  the  means  which 
thou  hast  appointed  for  his  improvement,  that  he  may  grow 
daily  in  every  virtue  which  relates  to  thee,  to  his  neigh- 
bom-,  and  Idmself.  Assist  lam  to  be  fervent  in  spirit,  re- 
joicing in  hope,  patient  in  tribulation,  continuing  instant  in 
prayer,  blessing  those  who  persecute  him,  rejoicing  with 
them  that  rejoice,  and  weeping  with  them  that  weep.  May 
his  deportment  contribute  to  confute  the  enemies  of 
Christianity,  to  edify  its  friends,  and  to  prove  to  the  doubt- 
ing that  it  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  to  all  who 
uprightly  believe  and  seriously  apply  it.  Experiencing 
that  the  yoke  of  Christ  is  easy  and  his  burden  light,  and 
blessed  with  a  large  measure  of  that  consolation  and  cheer- 
fulness which  flow  from  the  discoveries,  the  cross,  and  the 
resurrection  of  his  Lord,  may  he  prove  faithful  unto  death, 
and  finally  through  thy  grace  receive  the  crown  of  life! 

And  now  unto  thee,  who  art  able  to  keep  us  from 
falling,  and  to  present  us  faultless  before  the  presence  of 
thy  glory  with  exceeding  joy,  be  glory  and  majesty,  do- 
minion and  power,  through  Jesus  Christ,  for  ever  and 
ever.     Amen. 


98  CONFIRMATION. 

SECTION  VIII. 
THE  ORDER  OF  COWFIRMtfTIOK 

or  the  renewal  of  their  baptismal  vows  hi/  such  as  were 
baptized  in  infancy  and  have  come  tot/ear*  of  discretion. 

J\T,  H. — This  rite  is  per  firmed  publicly  in  the  presence 
of  the  Congregation;  the  Catechumens  Tuning  Seen  pre- 
viously instructed  in  a  regular  series  of  lectures  concerning 
the  doctrines  and  duties  of  the  Christum  religion,  and  hav- 
ing been  examined  before  the  officers  of  the  church  or  the 
congregation  generally.  The  Jmnister  introduces  the  ser~ 
Tice  with  a  suitable  hymn  and  prayer,  and  with  a  short  ad- 
dress to  the  audience  respecting  the  nature  and  use  of  tlus 
solemnity, as  an  impressive  mode  of  admitting  new  members 
into  church-communion.  The  candidates  for  confirmation 
being  then  placed  before  the  altar,  the  .  Minister  proposes  to 
them  the  following,  or  similar  questions. 

Q.  I  ask  you,  my  friends,  in  the  presence  of  omniscient 
God  and  of  this  assembly :  Do  you  believe  with  all  the 
heart  in  the  divine  authority  of  the  religion  of  Christ,  and 
accept  it  as  the  most  precious  gift  of  heaven  to  man,  as  an 
infallible  guide  to  happiness  in  time  and  eternity  ?  Do 
you  revere  Jesus  Christ  as  the  Son  of  God,  as  the  Media- 
tor and  Saviour  of  mankind,  as  your  Lord.  Master,  and 
Judge  ?  And  do  you  intend  to  profess  him  and  his  gospel 
before  men  without  fear  or  shame,  and  to  be  faithful  to 
him  until  the  end  of  life  ? 

Jl.  I  do. 

Q.  As  Christianity  is  a  practical  religion,  and  faith  with- 
out good  works  is  dead  and  vain  :  Are  you  seriously  re- 
solved to  love  the  Lord  your  (lod  with  all  the  heart,  and 
to  love  your  fellow-men  as  yourselves  ?  Will  you  strive 
to  grow  in  piety  and  virtue,  to  live  as  the  disciples  of  that 
Redeemer  who  was  holy  and  undented,  and  to  imitate  his 
encouraging  and  unspotted  example  ? 

A.  I  will,  by  the  help  of  God. 

Q.  Do  you  now  confirm  and  ratify  the  solemn  promises 
made  at  your  baptism,  renewing  and  assuming  the  same 
for  yourselves  ? 

Jk.  1  do. 

The  Catechumens  then  kneeling  or  standing  around  the 
altar,  the  .  1  tfrlisU ir  lays'  his  hand  on  the  head  of  each,  and 

mpanies  this  act  with  the  J  nyer. 


CONFIRMATION.  .,y 

May  Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  mercies,  ever  mul- 
tiply unto  you  his  grace  and  peace.  May  he  enable  }ou, 
by  his  holy  Spirit,  to  become  true  followers  of  his  Son  ; 
defend  you  in  every  time  at* danger  ;  preserve  you  faithful 
unto  the  end ;  and  bring  you  to  the  happiness  of  his  heav- 
enly kingdom.     Amen. 

The  Minister  then  gives  his  right  hand  to  each  of  the 
Catechumens,  zoning, 

Upon  the  voluntary  professions  and  promises  which  you 
have  now  made,  I  receive  you  as  members  of  this  Chris- 
tian congregation,  and  give  you,  in  its  name,  the  right- 
hand  of  brotherly  fellowship  and  love  ;  authorizing  you  to 
join  us  in  the  celebration  of  the  Lord's  supper  and  to  par- 
ticipate in  all  cur  spiritual  privileges,  so  long  as  your  de- 
portment shall  correspond  with  your  present  engagement. 

Let  us  unite  our  supplications  to  the  throne  of  grace,  in 
behalf  of  these  our  Christian  brethren. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  whom  the  heaven  of 
heavens  cannot  contain,  who  art  the  Rewarder  of  all  that 
diligently  seek  thee  !  we  raise  our  hearts  unto  thee  with 
thanksgiving  for  the  establishment  of  thy  church  and  for 
the  means  of  grace.  We  bless  thee,  that,  after  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  had  made  perfect  our  redemption  by  his 
death,  resurrection  and  ascension,  he  sent  abroad  into  the 
world  his  disciples  to  gather  together  a  great  flock  of 
those  who  should  believe  in  his  name.  We  bless  thee, 
that  the  day-spring  from  on  high  has  visited  our  tend, that 
these  thy  servants  were  born  to  the  possession  of  the  un- 
speakable advantages  of  thy  holy  gospel,  and  that  they 
have  now  been  disposed  and  enabled  by  thy  goodness  to 
make  a  profession  of  their  Christian  faith.  Thou  hast 
delivered  the  in  from  the  power  of  darkness,  and  translated 
them  into  the  kingdom  of  thy  dear  Sou.  Thou  hast 
brought  them  to  know,  in  whom  to  believe  and  to  trust, 
what  duties  they  lave  to  perform,  anil  what  fa  neees 
to  qualify  them  for  thy  favour  and  celestial  happiness. 
Thou  hast  helped  them  to  see,  that  Christ  Jesus  is  the 
way,  the  truth,  and  the  life,  the  author  of  eternal  salvation 
to  all  those  who  obey  him.  —  Merciful  God  !  be  pleased 
to  accept  the  sacrifices  of  their  hearts  and  to  accomplish 
the  desires  and  prayers  which  they  address  to  thy  throne. 
Let  them  not  forget  the  vow  s,  which  they  have  made  un^  i 


40  CONFIRMATION. 

thcc  the  righteous  and  holy  Ruler ;  and  let  thy  Providence 
and  Spirit  assist  them  to  carry  them  into  execution.  Per- 
fect, we  beseech  thee,  the  good  work  which  is  begun  in 
their  souls,  and  help  them  to  press  towards  the  mark  for 
the  prize  of  their  high  calling  in  Jesus  Christ.  Increase 
their  knowledge,  and  assist  them  perfectly  to  understand 
thy  word.  Strengthen  their  faith,  and  make  it  steadfast 
and  immoveable.  Fill  their  minds  with  love  to  thee,  with 
love  to  their  Redeemer,  with  love  to  all  their  fellow  -men. 
Lead  them  to  pursue  with  increasing  ardour  whatsoever 
things  are  honest,  true,  just,  pure,  amiable,  and  of  good 
report.  Amidst  the  tumults  of  the  world,  holy  Father  ! 
save  them  from  tine  evils  which  are  in  the  world,  and  suf- 
fer them  not  to  become  unmindful  of  their  exalted  des- 
tination. When  they  are  tempted  to  sin,  to  folly,  or  to  the 
neglect  of  their  duty,  let  the  remembrance  of  this  sacred 
hour  and  of  this  solemn  engagement  penetrate  theirhearts, 
and  make  them  victorious  in  the  conflict. — And  while  it 
is  their  great  aim  to  secure  thy  friendship,  and  so  to  act 
that  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  may  be  glorified  in  them ; 
we  pray  thee,  heavenly  Father,  to  support,  to  comfort 
them,  and  to  supply  all  their  wants.  Enable  them  habit- 
ually to  rejoice  in  thee,  to  repose  unbounded  confidence 
in  thy  promises,  and  to  find  by  their  own  happy  experience 
that  religion's  Mays  are  ways  of  pleasantness,  and  that  all 
her  paths  are  paths  of  peace.  Assist  them,  in  celebrating 
the  supper  of  their  Lord,  to  realize  all  the  honour  and 
blessedness  of  belonging  to  him  and  of  being  united  to  him 
forever.  And  when  they  sh;dl  be  removed  from  this  scene 
of  trial,  grunt  that  the}  m;i\  be  found  among  those,  who 
have  fought  a  good  light,  finished  their  course,  rod  kept 
their  faith,  and  whom  tin  grace  will  receive  into  the  realms 
of  endless  praise  and  glory,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Mediator  and  Redeemer.     Amen. 

.?  suitable  address  is  the?)  delivered  to  those  who  have 
confirmed  their  baptismal  vows,  and  an  exhortation  is  $w- 
en  to  the  congregation  present  to  receive  them  as  brctnron% 
and  to  promote  their  improvement  end  comfort  by  hind  as- 
sistance.  affectionate  COUnoel,  and  spotless  examples  :  after 
-widen,  the  service  may  be  concluded  with  a  prayer  like  the 
following : 

Most  gracious  God  !  we  adore  thine  unspeakable  good- 
ness in  preferring  and  blessing  this  portion  of  the  church 


PREPARATION  FOR  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  41 

of  thv  Son,  and  in  adding  to  it  new  members  from  time  to 
time*  O  grant,  that  Christian  truth  and  piety  may  con- 
tinually flourish  amongst  us,  that  we  may  maintain  the 
honour  of  our  religion  by  purity  of  mind  and  righteous- 
ness of  life.  1*0111-  out  into  every  heart  that  most  excellent 
gift  of  charity,  the  bond  of  perfectness  ;  and  help  US  to  live 
in  peace,  that  thou  the  God  of  peace  mayest  be  with  us. 
Preserve  us  from  giving  offence  and  an  occasion  of  falling 
into  anv.  Excite  us  to  assist,  console,  and  strengthen  one 
another,  and  to  travel  together  to  the  heavenly  land  as 
brothers  and  sisters  in  the  Lord.  And  when  thou  shalt  be 
pleased  to  call  us  away  from  thy  church  on  earth,  vouch- 
safe to  unite  us  witli  all  thy  faithful  and  obedient  servants 
in  heaven.  Hear  our  prayers,  we  beseech  thee,  most  mer- 
ciful Father, tlirough  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  and  Saviour. 
Amen. 


SECTION  IX. 

ORDER  OF  THE  SERVICE 

preparatory  to  the  celebration  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

The  exercises,  xi'hich  are  usually  held  on  the  day  pre- 
ceding the  Communion,  commence  -with  the  singing  oj  an 
appropriate  hymn,  and  with  prayer.  *i  discourse  is  then 
delivered,  adapted  to  the  occasion  ;  after -which  the  ^.Minis- 
ter addresses  the  folloxvijig  or  similar  questions  to  the  Com- 
municants: 

I  ask  you,  my  Friends,  before  Almighty  God,  and  upon 
the  evidence  of  your  own  consciences,  whether  you  real- 
ly feel,  lament,  and  acknowledge,  that  you  are  sinners  ; 
that,  by  omitting  to  do  good  and  actually  doing  evil,  you 
have  offended  against  your  righteous  Lawgiver  and  Judge, 
and  rendered  yourselves  obnoxious  to  his  displeasure  ?  If 
this  is  the  sincere  and  humble  confession  of  your  hearts, 
make  it  manifest  with  your  lips  by  saying  "yes.  " 
~4ns.  Ye. 

1  ask  you,  whether  yon  firmly  believe  ,  that  Jesus  Christ 
has  come  into  the  world  to  save  sinners,  and  that  all  those, 
who  sincerely  accept  and  obey  his  gospel,  do  receive  tin; 
forgiveness  of  their  sins  and  eternal  life  }  Are  you  truly 
liesiroua  to  be  delivered  from  your  transgressions;  an4 


ii  PREPARATION  FOR  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

have  you  an  earnest  solicitude  to  partake  of  God's  mercy 
to  the  penitent  and  faithful  ? 
.his.  Yes. 

I  ask  you,  whether  you  are  fully  resolved  to  submit 
yourselves  in  future  to  the  gracious  direction  of  the  divine 
Spirit,  so  that  you  may  no  more  purposely  offend,  but  be 
enabled  to  hate  and  avoid  all  manner  of  evil,  to  walk  cir- 
cumspectly before  God,  and  to  follow  after  holiness?  If 
this  is  your  upright  intention  and  purpose,  announce  it  in 
the  presence  of  God  and  of  each  other,  by  saying  "  yes.  " 
Jlns.  Yes. 

Let  us  unite  in  making  this  confession  in  prayer  to  the 
throne  of  grace. 

Here  one  of  the  forms  of  general  confession  may  be  used. 
See  page  3.  4.  Or  the  Minister  may  address  the  Father  of' 
mercies  in  any other  prayer ,  -which  he  shall  consider  proper* 
T/ris  act  of  devotion  being  performed,  the  Minister  may  sa$ 
io  the  Communicants  : 

Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Chris*, 
who  desireth  not  the  death  of  a  sinner,  but  rather  that  he 
may  turn  from  his  wickedness  and  live,  having  given  com- 
mandment to  his  ministers  to  declare  to  all  who  are  tr  uely 
penitent  the  absolution  of  their  sins, — I  pronounce  to  you, 
who  in  your  hearts  believe  in  Jesus  Christ  and  fully  pur- 
pose a  life  of  obedience  and  piety,  the  forgiveness  of  your 
errors  and  offences.  Doubt  not,  I  intreat  you,  but  be  com- 
pletely assured,  that,  if  you  hunger  ami  thirst  after  right- 
eousness, you  shall  be  satisfied  and  have  cause  to  rejoice 
in  the  God  of  your  salvation.  He  is  the  Lord  God,  mer- 
ciful and  gracious  ;  his  covenant  stands  sure  for  en  r.  To 
call  in  question  the  fulfilment  of  his  promises,  would  be 
ingratitude  and  impiety.  The  Spirit  of  Christ  and  Chris- 
tianity is  not  the  spirit  of  bondage  and  fear,  but  th  e  spirit 
of  adoption,  whereby  we  cry,  Abba,  Father. —  I5u  t,  while 
the  gospel  of  Jesus  commands  us  to  bind  up  the  oroken- 
hearted,  and  to  declare  peace  and  good-will  to  all  who  are 
reconciled  unto  God's  government  and  laws;  it  threatens 
indignation  and  wrath, tribulation  and  anguish  against  the 
workers  of  iniquity.  My  duty  to  you  requires  nie,  there- 
fore, to  state  in  the  most  explicit  terms,  that,  if  \\re  are  im- 
penitent, and  either  tire  in  the  open  violation  of  God's  ho- 
tf  commandments  OT  hypocritically  put  on  th  p  form  of 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  43 

godliness,  all  our  confessions  and  promises  will  be  un- 
availing ;  and  that  we  shall  be  unable  to  escape  from  the 
wrath  to  come,  unless  we  be  renewed  in  our  minds  and 
lives,  while  the  day  of  grace  is  prolonged. 

May  God  have  mercy  upon  every  one  of  us,  pardon  and 
deliver  us  from  all  our  sins,  confirm  and  strengthen  us  in 
all  goodness,  and  bring  us  to  everlasting  life  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


SECTION  X. 

THE  ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE 
LORD'S  SUPPER. 

After  the  usual  JWormng-service,  the  Afiw'ster  standing  at 

the  Communion-table ,  addresses  the  Communicants. 

"  Holy,  holy,  holy  is  the  Lord  of  hosts:  the  whole  earth 
is  full  of  his  glory." 
Dearly  Beloved, 
A  S  you  intend  to  come  to  the  holy  Communion,  which. 
-£*-  our  Lord  ordained  to  be  a  memorial  of  his  sufferings 
and  death,  and  a  means  of  improving  his  disciples  in  their 
attachment  and  obedience  to  his  divine  religion ;  I  exhort 
you  to  raise  your  hearts  unto  God  in  prayer,  devoutly  re- 
lying on  the  sure  promise  that  your  humble  petitions  shall 
be  heard  and  accepted. 

I  exhort  you,  moreover,  in  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus, 
that  you  draw  near  in  this  sacred  ordinance,  in  the  lively 
exercises  of  faith ;  directing  your  grateful  attention  to  those 
words  of  its  institution,  in  which  the  blessed  Redeemer 
declares,  that  his  body  is  given  and  his  blood  is  shed  for 
our  benefit  and  for  the  remission  of  sin.  Showing  forth 
the  Lord's  death,  let  us  meditate  upon  his  love,  and  rejoice 
in  that,  grace  which  is  conferred  through  him  upon  the 
children  of  men. 
Let  us  pray. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy  name. 
Thy  Kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  on  earth,  as  it  is 
in  heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And  for- 
give us  our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive  those  who  trespass 
against  us.  And  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  del  he 
G  r> 


44  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

us  from  evil.  For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,, 
and  the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  God,  unto  whom  all  hearts 
are  open  and  all  desires  are  known  ;  u  e  rejoice  and  praise 
thee,  that  we  are  permitted  to  come  into  tliy  presence  with 
the  full  assurance  that  thou  art  the  Friend"  and  Father  of 
the  children  of  men.  Glory  be  to  thee,  that,  when  all  tlesh 
had  corrupted  its  way,  and  the  nations  of  the  earth  were 
dead  in  trespasses  anil  sins,  without  the  knowledge  of  thee, 
and  without  hope,  thine  eye  beheld  them  with  pity,  ami 
thine  arm  was  outstretched  for  their  deliverance,  (.lory 
be  to  thee,  that  in  the  fulness  of  time  thou  didst  send  thine 
only-begotten  and  well-beloved  Son,  not  that  he  should  be 
the  messenger  of  woe,  not  that  he  should  condemn  the 
world,  but  that  the  world  through  him  might  be  saved. 
Glory  be  to  thee,  that  he  is  made  unto  us  wisdom,  and 
righteousness,  and  sanctiiication,  and  redemption.  Glory 
be  to  thee  for  his  precious  discoveries  and  doctrines,  mi- 
nis astonishing  works,  and  for  his  spotless  example.  Glory 
be  to  thee,  that  he  was  made  perfect  through  sufferings, 
that  he  humbled  himself  and  became  obedient  unto  the 
death  of  the  cross,  that  he  is  set  forth  to  be  a  mere}  -seat 
through  faith  in  his  blood,  the  propitiation  for  our  sins,  and 
not  for  ours  only,  but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  ■  Olid. 
Glory  be  to  thee,  that  by  his  death  he  has  destroyed  the 
terrors  of  the  grave,  that  he  Is  exalted  above  principalities 
and  powers,  that  a  name  is  given  him  which  is  above  every 
name,  that  lie  is  able  to  save  unto  the  uttermost  all  those 
that  conn;  unto  thee  through  him,  and  that  be  has  entered 
into  heaven  as  our  Captain  and  Forerunner.  Glorj  be  to 
thee,  that  means  and  opportunities  are  offered  us  for 
strengthening  our  affection  to  thy  dear  Son,  and  for  imbi- 
bing his  holy  temper  and  disposition.  In  compliance  \\  ith 
his  sacred  injunction,  we  would  now  celebrate  his  d\  ing 
love,  profess  his  name  before  men,  take  the  cup  of  his  sal- 
vation, and  triumph  in  his  cross.  And  we  beseech  thee,  O 
most  merciful  Father,  to  accept  this  OUT  sacrifice  of  praise 
and  thanksgiving, and  to  grant,  that  we  ma\  obtain  all  the 

benefits  which  Bow  from  his  death,  his  resurrection, and 

his  glory.  We  presume  not  to  come  to  thine  altar,  trust- 
ing in  an)  righteousness  of  our  own,  but  in  thine  infinite 
compassion  and  mercy  in  Christ  Jesus.     We  beseech  the** 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  45 

to  pardon  all  our  imperfections  and  iniquities,  according  to 
the  gracious  covenant,  which  thou  hast  been  pleased  to 
make  with  thy  people  through  him.  We  renounce  every 
passion  and  pursuit,  inconsistent  with  thy  service  and  with 
the  gratitude  which  we  owe  to  our  magnanimous  Deliv- 
erer.  We  present  and  devote  to  thee,  O  God,  our  bodies 
and  our  souls,  to  be  a  reasonable,  holy,  and  living  sacrifice. 
And  vi'  implore  thy  gracious  assistance,  that  we  may  be 
crucified  unto  the  world,  and  that  we  may  ever  hereafter 
live  by  the  faith  of  thy  Son,  who  loved  us  and  gave  himself 
for  us.  In  all  the  circumstances  of  this  mortal  life,  may 
we  tread  in  his  footsteps  with  increasing  fidelity  and  de- 
light Though  we  sec  him  not,  may  we  rejoice  in  him 
with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory  ;  and  at  last  receive 
the  end  of  our  faith,  even  the  salvation  of  our  souls. 

Blessed  be  thou,  O  God,  that  peace  on  earth  and  good- 
will to  men  is  proclaimed  from  heaven.  Blessed  be  thou, 
the  Son  of  the  Most  High,  who  hast  redeemed  us  by  thy 
blood,  and  made  us  kings  and  priests  unto  God.  Blessing 
and  honour,  and  glory  and  pov,  er,  be  unto  Him  that  sittelh 
on  the  throne, and  unto  the  Lamb  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen. 

"  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  the  night  in  which  he  was 
"  betrayed  took  bread  ;  and  when  he  had  given  thanks,  he 
"brake  it,  and  gave  it  unto  his  disciples,  saying,  take,  eat, 
"  this  is  my  body  which  is  given  for  )  on.  l)o  this  in  re- 
"  membrance  of  me.  And.  at  the  same  time,  after  supper, 
"  he  took  the  cup,  gave  thanks  and  gave  it  to  them,  saying, 
"  drink  ye  all  of  this;  this  cup  i^  the  New  Testament  in  my 
"  blood,  which  is  shed  for  you  and  for  many  for  the  remis- 
"  sion  of  sins.  Do  this,  as  often  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remem- 
"  brance  of  me.*' 

Thus  commanded  and  invited,  let  us  approach  the  table 
of  the  Lord,  My  Brethren,  with  devotion  ami  faith  with 
gratitude  and  charity.  «  ith  penitence  and  holy  joy.  In  the 
name  of  Christ  our  common  and  onl\  Masb  r,  1  tan  to  all 
who  own  him  as  their  Saviour, and  resolve  to  be  bib  faith- 
ful subjects:  ye  are  welcome  to  this  least  of  love. 

Jl  hen  the  Minister  presents  the  bread  to  the  Communi- 
cant*, he  warn  to  them:  Jesus  said,  take  and  eat,' this  is  my 
body  which  is  given  for  you;  do  this  in  remembrance  of  me. 

Jl  hen  the  Minister  delivers  the  cup  to  them,  h* 
Jesus  said,  drink  ye  all  of  this ;  this  cup  is  the  New  Testa- 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

ment  in  my  blood,  which  is  shed  for  you  and  for  many  fur 
the  remission  of  .sin.     Do  this  in  remembrance  of  me. 

The  Minister  is  at  liberty  to  substitute  any  other  words 
in  the  place  of  these ;  and  it  is  desirable,  that  he  should  en- 
deavour to  keep  alive  tJio  devotion  of  the  Communicants  by 
appropriate  addresses  to  t/iem,  or  by  suitable  passages  of 
Scripture  like  the  following : — John  iii.  16.  Matth.  xi.  28. 
29.  30.  John  xv.  13.  Rom.  iii.  24.  25.  Rom.  v.  7.  S.  Rom. 
viii.  1.  Rom.  viii.  .32.34.  2  Cor.  v.  19.  1  Tim.  i.  15.  1  John 
ii.  1.  2.  iv.  10.  Isaiah  i.  16.  17.  18.  Isaiah  It-  7.  1. 
xxxiii.  11.  Hebrews  xii.  22.  2.3.  2i.  2  Tim.  ii.  11.  12.  IS. 
Rom.  viii.  17.  IS.  1  Cor.  ii.  9.  xv.  55.  50.  57.  1  John  iii.  2. 
John  xiv.  2.  3. — These  express  the  comfort  and  hope  of 
Christians. — The  sanctity  of  our  profession  as  followers 
of  Christ  is  exhibited  in  such  as  these.' — Matth.  v.  2 — 10. 
Matth.  v.  48.  Matth.  vii.  12.  Matth.  vii.  21.  John  \iii.  14.  15. 
John  xiv.  23.  xv.  4.  5.  C.  8. 10. 12.  14.  John  v.  28.  29.  Acts 
xvii.  31.  Rom.  vi.  22.  23.  viii.  6.  9.  13.  14.  xii.  9.  10.  II.  12. 

13.  14.  15.  1  Cor.  xv.  5S.  Gal.  v.  22.  23.  24.   Philipp.  ii.  5. 
iii.  20.  Coloss.  iii.  1.  8.  3.  1  Tim.  iv.  8.  Titus  ii.  11.12. 13. 

14.  Hebrews  xii.  1.  2.  14.  James  ii.  20.  1  Peter  ii.  21.  98, 
23.  1  John  iv.  11.  10.  20.  Rev.  iii.  11.  31.  ii.  10. 

When  all  have  received  the  commimion,  the  ^Minister 
addresses  the  congregation. — 

()  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  "  for  he  is  good;  and  his 
"  mercy  endureth  for  ever." 
Let  us  pray. 

Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father!  we  thine  unwor- 
thy servants  offer  unto  thee  our  united  thanki  for  the  com- 
fort and  refreshment,  the  instruction  and  improvement, 
which  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  afford  us  in  the  commem- 
oration of  the  life,  the  death',  and  the  glory  of  thy  bh 
Son.  How  can  we  eter  be  sufficiently  grateful  to  thee, 
for  preparing  such  a  table  for  us  in  the  wilderness  of  this 
world!  what  good  thing  can  we  ever  want, whilst  we  have 
thee  for  our  shepherd  i  What  mercy  wilt  thou  refuse  to 
those,  whom  thou  hast  redeemed,  not  with  corruptible 
things,  but  with  the  precious  blood  of  Jems  Christ!  W  bat 
consolation  and  joy  are  poured  into  our  hearts,  whilst  we 
contemplate  him  crucified  and  risen  again, triumphingorer 
all  his  toes  and  ours,  seated  at  thy  right  hand,  and  raising 
his  disciples  to  his  own  glory  and  happiness! 


THE  LORDS  SUPPER.  47 

O  God !  grant  that  we  may  be  made  conformable  onto 
his  death,  and  experience  more  and  more  perfectly  the 
power  of  his  resurrection.  As  we  have  now  received  the 
Lord  .Jesus  for  our  Saviour  and  King,  help  us  to  walk  in 
him,  to  be  transformed  into  his  image, and  to  rely  with  in- 
vincible faith  upon  his  promises.  May  we  demonstrate 
our  love  to  him  b\  constantly  keeping  his  commandments. 
May  we  make  his  cause  our  o\\  n  personal  concern,  labour 
to  promote  it  with  all  our  powers,  and  rejoice  in  every  in- 
stance of  its  success.  Having  professed  ourselves  breth- 
ren, members  of  the  same  spiritual  body,  ma]  weewrbe 
careful  to  exercise  friendship  and  kindness  towards  all 
men  ;  and  help  each  other,  to  the  best  of  our  ability  .  in  our 
journey  to  the  land  of  immortality.  May  the  sentiments 
and  resolutions,  which  we  now  entertain,  animate  us  in  all 
the  changes  of  this  transitory  state.  May  we  go  forth  into 
the  world,  candidates  for  a  crown  of  glory  that  fadeth  not 
away,  looking  habitually  unto  Jesus  the  author  and  finisher 
of  our  faith,  and  anticipating  his  second  coming  with  ex- 
alted and  immoveable  hope.  Under  the  trials  and  temp- 
tations of  life,  may  thy  grace  be  sufficient  for  us,  and  thy 
Providence  and  Spirit  sustain  and  comfort  us.  In  tin-  hour 
of  death,  may  we  commend  our  souls  to  thee,  with  the 
humble,  joyful  assurance  of  forgiveness  and  acceptance 
through  our  graat  Mediator.  And  when  he  shall  appear, 
may  we  also  appear  with  him  in  glory,  be  acknowledged 
as  his  disciples  before  augels  and  men,  and  be  added  to  the 
general  assembh  and  church  of  the  first-born  in  heaven. 

Pin, illy,  we  beseech  thee,  O  most  merciful  God  '  to  ex- 
tend the  advantages,  which  we  enjoy  this  day,  to  all  man- 
kind. Have  pity  upon  all  Jews,  Heathens,  Mahometans, 
and  unbelievers.  Take  from  them  all  ignorance,  hardness 
of  heart,  and  contempt  of  thy  word  ;  and  let  them  be  saved 
among  those  who  worship  and  serve  thee  in  spirit  and  in 
truth.  Grant,  that  all  Christians  may  love  each  other  as 
one  fold,  having  one  Shepherd,  and  be  cartful  to  maintain 
good  works.  Comfort  every  sorrowful  heart.  And  vouch- 
safe to  unite  the  whole  human  family  in  endless  harmony 
and  felicity,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  and  Saviour. 
Amen. 

The  sei-iice  is  concluded  -with  a  hymn  and  one  of  the 
usual  benedictions. 

G  g  2 


THE  INAUGURATION 

SECTION  XI. 

A  FORM  FOR  THE   INAUGURATION    OF   THE 
RULING  OFFICERS  OF  A  CONGREGATION. 

N.  R.  The  Lutheran  churches  in  thi3  country,  although 
united  in  Synods,  having,  independently  of  each  other, 
framed  such  regulations  as  each  judged  most  expedient 
and  necessary  for  its  own  government,  do  not  entirely 
agree  in  the  names  and  powers  of  their  Rulers  ;  and, 
hence,  only  the  general  appellation,  "  ruling  officers,"  is 
used  in  this  form. 

7  Tie  Minister  j  ha  ving  presented  the  thanks  of  the  Congre- 
gation to  those  officers  whose  term  of  service  hau 
and  having  published  the  names  of  those  didy  elected ag 
ably  to  tlie  constitution  of  the  church,  may  deliver  thefiUorw- 
ing  or  any  similar  address. 
.Ma  Christian  Friends, 

ORDER  is  the  soul  of  every  religious,  as  well  as  civil 
society  ;  and  the  strictest  order  is  compatihle  with 
freedom  of  conscience.  A  congregation  cannot  conduct 
the  solemnities  of  public  worship  with  propriety,  without 
confusion,  and  to  its  own  edification,  or  carry  on  its  out- 
ward affairs  with  success,  unless  some  persons  are  appoint- 
ed to  rule  according  to  prescribed  laws.  Even  in  the  time 
of  the  Apostles,  rhurches  Mere  not  only  provided  with 
regular  teachers,  but  each  of  them  was  also  plated  under 
the  care  of  particular  inspectors,  whose  office  it  was  to 
secure  and  promote  its  prosperity. 

The  same  duty  is  incumbent  upon  u  the  Council  *  of 
this  church.  They  are  to  take  care,  that  "all  things  be 
done  decently  and  in  order ;  "  that  the  service  of  God'l 
house  be  performed  i.-i  a  manner  corresponding  with  the 
importance  of  this  object,  and  the  purity  and  simplicity  of 
tin-  gospel;  that  the  necessary  instruction,  consolation, 
ami  excitement  to  the  practice  of  godliness  and  virtue,  be 
afforded  to  the  young  and  the  old  ;  and  tbat  Christian  mor- 
als be  cultivated  ami  preserved  among  the  members  of 
the  congregation.  They  are  bound  to  endeavour  to  re- 
store such  :»s  are  overtaken  \\\  a  fault,  in  the  spirit  oi'  meek- 
ness ;  to  admonish  and  warn  open  offenders;  and,  if  ne- 
cessary, to  reprove  them  with  the  utmost  seriousness,  with 


OF  CHURCH-OFFICERS.  4J 

a  view  to  recover  them  from  the  error  of  their  wart. 

They  arc  to  be  p:  rticularly  solicitous  to  prevent  litigation 
and  strife,  to  bring  about  a  speedy  reconciliation  between 

contending  i  relieve  the  poor,  and  to  encourage 

and  spread  possible  a  spirit  of  harmony,  friend- 

ship, and  brotherly  love  among  all  who  ant  connected 
with  this  Society.  And  they  are  to  employ  all  proper 
means,  at  the  same  time,  for  advancing  the  external  wel- 
fare of  the  church,  and  for  increasing  its  ability  Logi\e  as- 
sistance to  similar  institutions  and  to  aid  others  in  ihe  dif- 
fusion of  the  divine  word. 

The  officers  elect  standing  before  the  altar,  the  JWmstei 
suits  to  them  : 

These,  My  Brethren,  are  the  chief  duties,  which  you 
have  been  chosen  to  fulfil.  That  the  congregation  may  he 
certified  of  your  willingness  to  discharge  them,  I  ask  you, 
in  the  presence  of  God  and  of  your  fellow-worshippers, 
whether  you  heartily  believe  in  the  truth  of  the  Christian 
religion?  Whether  you  are  persuaded  that  you  are  law- 
fully called  to  the  service  of  the  church  P  and  whether 
you  are  determined  to  administer  its  government  accord- 
ing to  the  rules  of  its  constitution,  and  the  spirit  and  pre- 
cepts of  the  gospel  ? — If  this  be  your  conviction  and  deter- 
mination, please  to  announce  it  by  answering  u  Yes." 

Upon  this  your  promise,  I  do  hereby  pronounce  you  to 
be  invested  with  the  office  to  which  you  have  been  elected, 
and  give  you,  in  the  name  of  the  congregation,  the  right 
hand  of  Christian  fellowship  and  love. 
Let  us  pray. 

Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father  !  we  offer  unto 
thee  our  united  and  thankful  acknowledgments,  that  thou 
hast  been  pleased  to  introduce,  to  extend,  and  to  support 
the  Kingdom  of  thy  Son  Christ  Jeans  on  earth,  and  that 
the  gates  of  hell  have  not  been  able  to  prevail  against  it. 
We  praise  thee,  that  we,  whose  ancestors  were  afar  off, 
have  been  brought  to  the  glorious  light  of  thy  gospel. 
We  praise  thee  for  the  ministry  of  reconciliation,  for  the 
ordinances  of  thy  house,  for  the  comfort,  joy  and  improve- 
ment, which  thou  hast  been  phased  to  bestow  upon  us  in 
the  exercises  of  public  worship.  And  we  beseech  thee, 
O  thou  God  of  all  grace  !  to  continue  to  us  these  inestima- 
ble privileges,  and  to  help  us  to  make  a  wise  and  constant 
use  of  them.     Grant,  that    thy  word  may  be  preached 


SO  THE  INAUGURATION  kc. 

among  us  in  its  purity;  and  that  all  thy  people  may  be 
disposed  to  hear  ii  with  attention, to  receive-  it  with  affec- 
tion, ami  to  bring  forth  abundantly  thefmits  of  righteous- 
ness. Forbid  that  any  root  of  bitterness  should  Spring  op 
to  trouble  us.  Enable  as,  whenever  we  assemble  in  this 
house  of  prayer,  to  meet  together  with  one  accord,  to 
praise  thee  with  gladness  and  singleness  of  heart,  and  to 
continue  steadfastly  in  brotherly  fellowship,  If  am  of  us 
are  held  in  the  bonds  of  iniquity  :  we  pray  thee,  ()  Lord, 
to  break  tlic  fetters  of  sin,  and  to  set  the  prisoners  free. 
If  any  of  us  are  penitent  for  their  errors  and  transgressions : 
we  pray  thee  to  perfect  and  console  them.  If  any  of  us 
are  sincerely  devoted  to  thee  :  we  pray  thee  to  make  them 
faithful,  and  to  fill  them  with  peace  and  joy  in  the  Holy 
Ghost.  Instruct  and  guide  our  youth  in  the  path  of  inno- 
cence, that,  as  they  grow  in  stature,  they  may  grow  in 
grace,  and  in  favour  with  thee  and  with  men  ;  and  let  the 
hoary  head  be  found  in  the  ways  of  righteousness. — We 
implore  thy  blessing,  especially,  for  thy  servants,  who 
have  been  called,  in  thy  providence,  to  direct  the  concerns 
of  this  part  of  thy  church.  Give  them,  we  beseech  thee 
a.  large  measure  of  the  spirit  of  thy  Son,  the  spirit  of  un- 
derstanding and  wisdom,  the  spirit  of  piety  and  virtue,  tin- 
spirit  of  benevolence  and  charity.  Replenish  them  with 
an  enlightened  and  active  zeal  for  the  happiness  of  their 
brethren.  Assist  them  to  discharge  their  obligations  with 
aiacritv,  patience,  and  firmness  ;  and  let  all  their  consulta- 
tions, influenced  and  governed  by  Christian  hue.  tend  to 
thy  gloiy  and  the  happiness  of  thy  people.  Help  them  to 
shine  as  lights  before  nun,  to  be  exemplary  in  their  fami- 
lies, exemplary  in  their  public  walk  and  conversation,  ex- 
emplary in  their  observance  of  religious  duties,  exemplary 
in  the  performance  of  every  Christian  office.  "While  they 
study  to  approve  themselves  to  thee,  may  they  bo  honour- 
ed and  esteemed  by  those  for  whom  they  labour,  and  re- 
joice in  the  assurance  that  their  work  is  not  in  vain  in  the 
Lord.  And,  finally,  grant,  that  tiny  and  we  all,  being 
built  upon  the  foundation  of  the  Apostles  and  Prophets, 
Jesus  Christ  himself  being  the  chief  corner-stone,  may 
become  an  holy  temple  onto  thee. 

Hear  us,  O  God,  of  thine  infinite  mercy,  in  these  our 
petitions,  which  we  offer  up  in  the  name  of  thy  Son  ;  and 
thine  he  all  the  glory  and  praise  now  and  e\ermorc.  Amen. 


MATRIMONY.  ft 

SECTION  XII. 

THE  SOLEMNIZATION  OF  MATRIMONV 
When  the  persona  to  be  married  are  assembled  with  th  i  • 

friends,  the  .Minister  addresses  them,  saying, 

DEARLY  Beloved,  wo  are  gathered  together  here  in 
the  sight  of  God,  and  in  the  presence  of  these  witnes- 
ses, to  join  together  this  man  and  this  woman  in  holy  Ma- 
trimony ;  which  was  instituted  of  God  himself  for  the  hap- 
nkind;  which  is  commended  in  his  word  as 
an  honourable  state;  and  which  is,  therefore,  not  to  he 
entered  into  unadvisedly  or  lightly,  hut  reverently,  dis- 
crete] v.  advisedly,  and  in  the  fear  of  God. 

And  also,  speaking  to  the  persons  who  are  to  be  married- 
he  may  say, 

1  ri  quire  and  charge  you  both,  as  ye  will  answer  at  the 
dreadful  day  of  judgment,  when  the  secrets  of  all  heart  i 
disclosed,  that  if  either  of  you  know  any  impedi- 
ment, v,  I  not  be  lawfully  united  in  Matrimony , 
ye  do  now  confess  it.     For  be  you  well  assured,  that  if 
any  persona  are  joined  together   otherwise   than  God's 
word  allows,  their  marriage  is  not  lawful. 
Jf  no  impediment  be  alleged  the  MSmster  asks  the  man, 
N.  Do  you  take  this  woman  to  your  wedded  n  ife,  to  live 
together  after  God's  ordinance  in  the  state  of  Matrimony  \ 
W  ill  you  love  her,  comfort  her,  honour  and  keep  her,  as 
a  faithful  Christian  husband  is  bound  to  do,  in  health  and 
u  prosperity  and  adversity;  and,  forsaking  ati 
others,   b  ep  you  only  unto  her,  so  long  as  you  both 
shall  live  ? — 
Yes. 
The  Minister  then  asks  the  woman\ 
N.  Do  you  take-  this  man  to  your  wedded  husband,  it. 
ordinance  m  the  state  of  Matri- 
mony f  Will  you  love   him,  comfort  him,  honour  and 
keep  him,  pn  a  faithful  Christian  wife  is  bound  to  do,  in 
health  and  sickness,  in  prosperity  aid  advershv:  and,  for- 
saking all  others,  keep  you  only  unto  him,  so  long  as  you 
both  five  } — 

Ans.  Yes. 


53  MATRIMONY. 

Then  the  Minister,  joining  their  right  liands  together 
may  say : 

Those,  vhom  God  hath  joined  together,  let  no  man  nut 
asunder. 

Forasmuch  as  N.  and  N.  have  consented  together  in 
wedlock, and  have  witnessed  the  same  before  God  and  this 
company  ;  I  pronounce  that  they  are  Man  and  AY  he. 
Let  us  pray. 

O  eternal  God,  the  Creator  and  Preserver  of  all  man- 
kind, the  giver  of  all  spiritual  grace,  the  author  of  ever- 
lasting life:  we  would  acknowledge  thee  in  all  our  ways, 
and  de\outly  implore  thy  direction  and  blessing.  We 
adore  thee  as  the  source  of  our  benevolent  affections,  and 
of  all  our  social  satisfactions  and  comforts.  YVe  praise 
f 'nee,  that  thou  hast  ordained  for  us  domestic  institutions. 
And  we  beseech  thee  to  behold  with  thy  favour  and  to 
bless  these  thy  servants,  w  ho  have  now  entered  into  the 
closest  and  tenderest  of  all  earthly  connections.  Help 
them  to  fulfil  with  fidelity  the  vow  and  covenant  which 
iho\  have  made  in  thy  presence;  that  the  relation  in  which 
they  stand  to  each  other,  maj  not  be  to  them  a  state  of 
temptation  and  sorrow ,  but  of  holiness, joy,  and  perfect  in- 
dissoluble friendship.  Give  them  grace  to  overlook  each 
other's  infirmities,  to  cherish  a  iUw  regard  Wn-  each  other's 
opinions  and  feelings,  to  be  just  to  each  other's  virtues  and 
j^ood  intentions, to  improve  each  other's  understanding  and 
heart,  and  to  travel  together  hand  in  hand  the  road  which 
leads  to  heaven  and  thee.     Enable  them,  by  persevering 

■Section,  by  a  worthy  deportment,  and  by  united  devo- 

tions.  to  soften  to  each  other  the  unavoidable  caivs  of  lite, 
to  alleviate  its  sorrows, to  increase  its  innocent  enjoyments, 
arid  to  edify  their  friends  and  all  around  them.  Prosper, 
we  beseech  thee, their  useful  world  h  pursuits,  if  thine  in- 
finite wisdom  perceives  this  to  be  good  for  them  :  and, 

should  they  be  visited  with  affliction,  let  them  find  a  never- 
failing  Friend  and  Supporter  in  thee.  And.  having  been 
]>ious,  virtuous,  and   nappy   in  their  connection  here  on 

earth,  maj  thej  be  at  last  united  in  the  realms  of  everlast- 
ing love  and  bliss,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.   Amen. 

The  folio-wing  e.rJiortation  may  be  addressed  to  the  par* 
ties  after  ma 


MATRIMONY. 
It  "will  be  of  great  advantage  and  importance  to  you,  My 
Friends,  to  consider  frequently  and  seriously  the  sacred 
engagement, which  %ou  have  now  made.     Marriage  is  the 

union  of  one  man  with  one  woman  for  their  joint  happi- 
ness, and  for  the  pious  education  of  children,  where  Uod 
gives  them;  and,  by  the  original  appointment  of  the  Al- 
mighty, confirmed  by  our  Savkmr, (Genesis  ii.  '24.  Matth. 
six.  i.  5.  (3.)  this  union  is  to  be  dissolved  only  by  death. 
It  was  intended  by  the  benevolent  Parent  of  mankind,  not 
to  be  a  hard  yoke,  but  a  means  of  promoting  our  true  hap- 
piness, and  of  exercising  us  in  the  best  and  most  amiable 
dispositions.  Let  the  necessary  care  and  diligence  be, 
therefore,  employed  for  the  accomplishment  of  these  mo- 
mentous ends.  Let  it  be  always  remembered  by  both  ot* 
you,  that  your  own  welfare  is  concerned  in  the  part  which 
you  act  in  this  relation,  and  that  you  are  accountable  for 
your  behaviour  in  it  to  the  omniscient  and  righteous  Judge 
of  the  living  and  the  dead.  Abhor  and  fly  from  every 
thought,  word  and  deed,  which  might  have  the  slightest 
tendency  to  lessen  your  mutual  esteem,  to  taint  the  chasti- 
ty and  purity  of  your  hearts,  and  to  tempt  you  to  the  vio- 
lation of  conjugal  fidelity.  Let  piety ,  peace,  concord,  mild- 
ness and  forbearance,  be  your  constant  companions  and 
guides.  Expect  not  to  find  each  other  faultless  ;  but  re- 
collect that  you  are  to  endeavour  to  become  so.  Hope; 
not  for  perfect  and  unmixed  happiness;  while  you  are  in 
this  world,  a  variety  of  trials  must  be  borne;  but,  if  you 
faithfully  discharge  the  duties  of  the  state  into  which  you 
have  entered,  your  alllietions  will  be  mitigated  and  your 
satisfactions  be  multiplied  by  sharing  them  with  each  other 
as  most  intimate  friends  and  partners.  He  not  ambitious 
of  superiority  and  power;  but  be  ambitious  of  the  hon- 
our of  bearing  each  other's  burdens,  of  preventing  each 
other's  wishes,  and  of  promoting  each  other's  happiness 
by  works  of  love.  Prefer  the  pleasures  of  domestic  so- 
ciety to  all  other  earthly  enjoyments,  and  rest  assured  that 
they  are  the  most  innocent  and  durable.  Be  particularly 
careful  to  sanctify  your  connection  by  devotional  exerci- 
ses ;  let  the  God  of  heaven  be  aeknow  [edged  and  worship- 
ed in  your  family  ;  be  affectionate  instructors,  monitors, 
guardians,  and  supporters  of  each  other's  virtue,  and  ex- 
amples to  all  who  may  dwell  under  your  roof.     Should 


i  THE  Bl  RIAL  OF  THE  DEAD. 

(iod  bless  you  with  children,  let  it  be  your  chief  concern, 
not  that  they  should  be  rich  or  great  in  the  world,  but  that 
they  should  be  educated  as  Christians;  and  let  it  be  your 
highest  delight  and  your  noblest  employment,  to  train 
them  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord. — By 
following-  these  counsels,  you  will  be  preserved  from  num- 
berless evils,  vexations,  and  sins.  By  obeying  these  dic- 
tates of  religion,  you  will  render  your  days  on  earth  tran- 
quil, possess  a  conscience  void  of  offence,  and  secure  the 
approbation  of  Almighty  God.  And,  by  advancing  each 
other's  best  interests  as  immortal  beings,  you  will  be  en- 
abled to  rejoice  habitually  in  the  precious  hope,  that,  al- 
though you  shall  he  separated  by  death  for  a  little  while, 
you  will  meet  again, with  new  improvements,  and  in  hap- 
pier circumstances  that  shall  admit  of  no  termination. 
May  God  grant  you  such  felicity  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord. 


SECTION  XIII. 

THE  BURIAL  OF  THE  DEAD. 

It  is  customary  for  the  ^Minister  to  make  a  short  and 
suitable  address  to  the  family  and  others  -who  join  the  pro- 
cession, at  the  grave ,  In  the  church,  or  at  the  liouse  of  the 
deceased.  After  the  corps  is  laid  in  the  grave,  the  jilinis- 
ter  may  make  use  of  the  following  form. 

MAN",  who  is  born  of  a  woman,  hath  but  a  short  time 
to  live,  and  is  full  of  misery.  He  comcth  up,  and  is  cut 
down  like  a  flower;  he  neeth  as  it  were  a  shadow,  and 
never  continueth  in  one  stay. 

In  the  midst  of  life  We  are  in  death.  Of  whom  may  we 
seek  for  succour,  but  of  thee,  0  Lord,  who  for  our  sins  art 
justly  displeased : 

0  Lord  Cod  most  holy,  O  Lord  most  mighty,  O 
holy  and  most  merciful  Saviour,  deliver  us  not  into  the 
hitter  p  'ins  of  eternal  death. 

Thou  knowest,  Led,  the  secrets  of  our  hearts:  shut 
not  thv  i  but  Bpare  us,  Lord 

mosi  holj  <  >  God  moat  might} ,  <  *  holy  and  most  merci- 
ful Saviour,  th  u  i  lost  wort  ternal,  suffer  us  not, 
at  our  last  hour,  for  any  pains  of  death  to  fall  from  thee. 


THE  BURIAL  OF  THE  DEAD.  $5 

To  this  prayer  the  Minister  may  add  any  other  which  lie 
shall  judge  proper ;  or  he  may  at  his  discretion,  use  one  of 
the  folioxving  prayers. 

Almighty  God,  with  whom  do  live  the  spirits  of  those 
•who  depart  hence  in  the  Lord;  and  with  whom  the  souls 
of  the  faithful,  after  they  are  delivered  from  the  burthen 
of  the  flesh,  are  in  joy  and  felicity:  we  give  thee  hearty 
thanks  for  the  good  examples  of  all  those  thy  servants, 
who,  having  finished  their  course  in  faith,  do  now  rest 
from  their  labours.  And  we  beseech  thee,  that  we,  with 
all  who  have  loved  and  served  thee,  may  have  our  perfect 
consummation  and  bliss,  both  in  body  and  soul,  in  thine 
everlasting  glory,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 

O  merciful  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
who  is  the  resurrection  and  the  life  ;  in  whom  whosoever 
believeth  shall  live,  though  he  die  ;  who  also  hath  taught 
us  by  his  holy  Apostle  St.  Paul,  not  to  be  sorry,  as  men 
without  hope,  for  those  who  sleep  in  him:  we  humbly  be- 
seech thee,  O  Father,  to  raise  us  up  from  the  death  of  sin 
unto  the  life  of  righteousness ;  that,  when  we  shall  depart 
this  life,  we  may  rest  in  him ;  and  that  at  the  general  re- 
surrection in  the  last  day,  we  may  be  found  acceptable  in 
thy  sight, and  receive  that  blessing  which  thy  well-beloved 
Son  shall  then  pronounce  to  all  that  love  and  fear  thee, 
saying,  Come,  ye  blessed  children  of  my  Father,  receive 
the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  beginning  of  the 
world.  Grant  this,  we  beseech  thee,  O  merciful  Father, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Mediator  and  Redeemer.  Amen. 

Eternal  and  unchangeable  God,  by  whose  providence 
we  have  been  called  to  witness  this  instance  of  mortality, 
and  in  whose  hand  is  the  life  of  every  human  being:  enable 
us,  we  beseech  thee,  to  lay  to  heart  the  serious  lessons, 
which  are  now  addressed  to  us.  Teach  us  so  to  number 
our  days,  that  we  may  apply  ourselves  unto  wisdom,  set 
our  affections  upon  the  things  which  are  above,  perform 
without  delay  the  great  work  which  thou  hast  given  us  to 
do,  live  by  the  faith  of  thy  Son,  and  habitually  look  for- 
ward to  his  second  coming.  Comfort  and  support  the 
spirits  of  thy  servants,  who  mourn  over  this  afflicting;  dis- 
pell sation.  Let  their  hearts  be  staved  upon  thee,  and  re- 
II  n 


56  THE  BURTAL  OP  THE  DEAD. 

joice  in  the  precious  discoveries  of  thy  word.  And  let 
them  find  by  their  own  experience,'  that  all  things  work 
together  for  good  to  them  that  love  thee.     Amen. 

Forasmuch  as  it  hath  pleased  Almighty  God,  in  his  wise 
providence,  to  take  out  of  this  world  the  soul  of  our  de- 
ceased brother,  ( sister  J  we  therefore  commit  Ms  hody  to 
the  ground  ;  earth  to  earth,  ashes  to  ashes,  dust  to  dust: 
looking  for  the  general  resurrection  in  the  last  day,  and 
the  life  of  the  world  to  come  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  shall  raise  his  followers  to  the  participation  of 
his  own  happiness  and  glory  in  heaven. 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  love  of  God, 
and  the  fellowship  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  us  all  ever- 
more.   Amen. 


PRAYERS 


FOR  THE  USE  OF 


FAMILIES  AND  INDIVIDUALS. 


PUBLISHED    BY   ORDBR 

OF  THE  EVANGELICAL   LUTHERAN   SYXOI? 

OF  THE   9TATE  OF  NEW-YORK. 


OERMANTOWN  : 
PBINTED   BY  M.    BILOIEYIR, 


1827. 


PART  I 
PRAYERS 

FOR  THE  USE  OF  FAMILIES. 


1. 

PRAYER  FOR  THE  LORD'S  DAY  Morning. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  the  Father  of  our  spirits,  who  art 
good  to  all  thy  creatures;  unto  thee  would  we  lift  up 
our  souls,  and  magnify  thy  name  together. 

Thou  hast  made  us,  and  not  we  ourselves;  we  are  thy 
people,  and  the  children  of  thy  family.  We  will  serve  thee 
with  gladness,  and  come  into  thy  presence  with  thanks- 
giving. 

Thine  is  the  greatness,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory, 
and  the  majesty.  Every  conceivable  perfection  centres  in 
thy  character  The  earth  is  full  of  thy  goodness;  in  thee 
we  live,  and  move,  and  have  our  being.  Through  the  care 
of  thy  providence  we  continue  to  this  day.  It  is  of  thy 
mercies  that  we  are  not  consumed ;  they  are  new  every 
morning;  great  is  thy  faithfulness.  We  have  slept  in  safe- 
ty, and  are  risen  in  peace,  for  thou  hast  sustained  us.  Wc 
rejoice  in  thy  providence,  and  give  thanks  unto  thee  with 
our  whole  hearts. 

While  we  praise  thee,  heavenly  Father,  for  the  light  of 
the  sua,  we  would  bless  thee  more  especially  for  the  light 
of  the  gospel  of  Christ  Jesus,  the  sun  of  righteousness. 
We  bless  thee,  that  we  are  called  to  be  his  disciples  and 
partakers  of  his  resurrection  and  glory.  We  bless  thee, 
that,  notw'ithstandingourun  worthiness,  thou  hast  still  con- 
tinued unto  us  the  means  of  true  religion,  and  dost  from 
time  to  time  permit  us  to  unite  with  our  brethren  in  the 
public  services  of  thy  house.  We  bless  thee  for  the  re- 
turn of  this  day  of  sacred  rest,  and  we  desire  to  spend  it 
in  the  performance  of  those  duties  for  which  it  is  let  apart. 
Help  us,  ire  beseech  thee,  to  attend  with  earnestness  to 
the  things  th*it  concern  our  everlasting  peace.  Grant  thv, 
Hh2 


60  PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

fill  our  sentiments,  words  and  actions  may  be  holy  ami 
unblamable  in  thy  sight.  Direct  us  in  our  private  medita- 
tions and  in  the  study  of  thy  word.  Fill  us  with  the  spirit 
of  devotion  in  the  society  of  our  fellow-worshippers,  and 
open  our  minds  to  the  truths  which  may  be  proposed  to  us 
from  the  sacred  oracles  of  revelation.  By  attending  upou 
the  ordinances  of  religion  this  day,  may  we  grow  wiser 
and  better,  more  pure  and  holy,  more  meek  and  humble, 
more  resigned  and  thankful,  and  more  heartily  disposed  to 
follow  Christ  and  to  keep  his  commandments. 

Merciful  God,  we  beseech  thee  to  communicate  the 
happiness,  which  we  enjoy  as  men  and  Christians,  to  all 
our  brethren.  Comfort  those,  who  are  bowed  down  by 
want  or  sorrow.  Let  this  be  a  day  of  improvement  and 
holy  pleasure  to  every  congregation  of  those  who  profess 
the  name  of  thy  Son.  Enlighten  and  cheer  the  minds, 
and  prosper  the  labours  of  all  the  ministers  of  thy  word. 
Cause  thy  name  to  be  known  in  all  the  earth,  and  let  the 
whole  world  he  filled  with  thy  glory,  through  Jestis 
Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 


PRAYER  FOR  THE  LORD'S  DAY  Evening. 

FATHER  of  mercies,  by  whose  goodness  we  have  been 
preserved,  we  come  before  thee  to  acknowledge  the 
riches  of  thy  grace.  Thy  name  is  excellent ;  thy  works  are 
marvellous ;  in  thy  favour  there  is  life  ;  and  much  peace 
have  they  who  love  thy  laws.  We  thank  thee  for  all  the 
happiness  of  our  lives,  for  the  stores  of  nature,  for  the  ad- 
vantages of  society,  for  the  comforts  of  friendship,  and  for 
the  satisfactions  which  flow  from  our  domestic  relations. 
"We  thank  thee  for  every  opportunity  of  improving  our 
mental  faculties,  for  the  inestimable  discoveries  and  hopes 
of  thy  gospel,  and  for  the  appointment  of  public  worship. 
We  thank  thee  for  the  blessings  bestowed  upon  us  this 
sacred  day.  We  are  ashamed  to  reflect,  with  how  little 
ardour  we  engage  in  thy  work,  and  acknowledge  before 
thee  our  manifold  errors  and  sins.  Thou  pore  and  pet  feat 
Spirit,  forgive  of  .thine  infinite  compassion  any  distraction 
Oi  mind  or  coldness  of  affection,  which  may  have  attended 
the  discharge  of  our  religious  duties  j  and  assist  us  to  love 


PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES.  CI 

thee  more  and  to  serve  thee? better  in  the  time  to  come. 
Preserve  us  from  being  satisfied  with  the  form  of  godli- 
ness. Whatever  9eeds  of  truth  may  have  fallen  into  our 
hearts,  grant  that  they  may  take  deep  root  and  he  abund- 
antly fruitful.  By  the  lessons  A\e  have  learnt,  prepare  us 
for  resuming  and*  prosecuting  our  worldly  employments 
with  a  becoming  frame  of  mind:  and  help  us  to  pass 
through  even  future  scene  of  life  ;  under  the  guidance  of 
Christian  principles. 

Whilst  thou  shalt  see  fit  to  continue  us  in  this  world,  it 
is  our  earnest  desire  and  steadfast  resolution  to  answer  the 
ends  for  which  thou  has  made  us.  In  the  presence  of  each 
other,  and  before  thee  the  all-seeing  w  ituess  and  judge, 
we  do  at  this  time  form  the  most  serious  purpose  to  guard 
against  all  vicious  appetites  and  passions,  to  behave  with 
fidelity,  prudence,  and  kindness  towards  one  another,  to 
he  diligent  in  the  business  of  our  several  stations,  to  per- 
forin every  social  office  with  conscientious  care,  and  to  re- 
member the  account  which  we  must  render  unto  thee  for 
our  deportment  here. 

Strengthen  us  by  thy  Spirit,  O  God,  in  this  resolution. 
Protect  us  this  night  against  the  dangers  to  w hich  we  may 
be  exposed.  And  when  death  shall  be  our  lot,  enable  us 
to  observe  its  approach  with  composure,  and  receive  us 
into  thy  presence  where  there  is  fulness  of  joy,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  and  SaTiour.    Amen. 


PRAYER  FOR  MOjXDAY  Morning. 
f\  THOU  Creator,  Governor,  and  supporter  of  men  ! 
"  thou  dwellest  in  light,  and  art  the  father  of  lights. 
Grateful  for  the  care  which  thou  hast  exercised  over  us 
during  the  night  past,  we  w  ould  cheerfully  submit  our- 
selves to  thy  guidance  through  the  day  upon  which  we 
have  entered.  Keep  us  in  thy  faith  and  fear,  and  secure  us 
from  every  evil  of  soul  and  body.  Impress  on  our  hearts 
a  solemn  sense  of  thy  universal  presence.  Preserve  us 
from  any  snares  which  may  Lie  in  our  way,  and  especially 
from  the  sins  which  most  easily  beset  us.  Prepare  us  for 
new  occurrences,  whether  prosperous  or  adverse,  and 
quicken  us  m  the  discharge  af  every  obligation.    Let  not 


te  PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

continued  peace  and  comfort  make  us  forgetful  of  thee,  or 
corrupt  our  minds. 

Thou  prolongest  our  lives,  that  we  may  attain  more  and 
more  the  true  end  of  life.  May  this  day  witness  some  im- 
provement in  knowledge,  piety,  and  virtue.  May  it  wit- 
ness our  diligence  in  that  occupation,  to  which  thou  callest 
us. —  We  desire  and  purpose  to  keep  consciences  void  of 
offence:  but  the  experience  which  we  have  had  of  our 
frailty  makes  us  diffident  of  our  strength.  Our  confidence 
is  in  thy  power  to  confirm  our  faith  and  invigorate  our 
obedience.  We  implore  thine  aid,  that  we  may  run  in  the 
way  of  thy  commandments.  Smile  on  our  endeavours  af- 
ter righteousness  and  usefulness.  Teach  us  to  feel  the 
whole  value  of  our  days  on  earth  ;  and  when  they  shall  be 
finished,  vouchsafe  to  receive  us  into  the  light  and  bliss  of 
thy  glorious  presence,  through  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our 
Lord.    Amen. 


4- 
PRAYER  FOR  MONDAY  Evening. 

OTHOU  infinitely  great  and  adorable  Majesty  of  heav- 
en and  earth  !  thou  art  ever  present  to  all  thy  crea- 
tures. Thou  knowest  our  down-sitting  and  our  up-rising  ; 
thou  compassest  our  path  and  our  lying  down,  and  art  ac- 
quainted with  all  our  ways. 

Preserver  of  men  !  at  the  close  of  another  day,  we 
would  render  unto  thee  our  thanks  for  all  the  mercies,  by 
which  our  lives  have  been  supported  and  rendered  happy. 
Thy  sun  has  cheered  us  with  its  rays,  thy  air  has  fanned 
the  spark  of  life  within  us,  and  by  thy  goodness  ue  have 
been  fed  with  food  convenient  for  us.  In  grateful  confi- 
dence of  tby  mercies,  we  will  now  lav  ourselves  down  in 
peace ;  assured,  that,  if  it  be  thy  will,  we  shall  she])  in 
safety,  and  rise  on  another  morning  with  renewed  health 
and  vigour.  Forgive  the  transgressions  of  the  past  day 
and  of  all  past  time.  Whatever  has  been  irregular  in  our 
dispositions,  whatever  we  have  done  which  we  ought  not 
to  have  done,  or  omitted  which  we  ought  to  have  perform- 
ed, be  pleased  mercifully  to  pardon  ;  and  grant  that  our 
circumspection  in  future  maybe  increased. 

Hitherto  thou  hast  helped  us,  provided  for  our  \  \ 


PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES.  GS 

tics,  and  crowned  our  lives  with  loving  kindness.  Truly 
our  hope  is  in  thee,  and  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings 
will  we  put  our  trust.  We  dedicate  ourselves  unto  thee 
as  our  God  and  guide  through  life,  our  support  and  com- 
fort in  death,  and  after  death  our  everlasting  portion  and 
felicity.  Let  thy  goodness  continue  to  follow  us;  and  en- 
able us  to  express  our  thankfulness  by  a  growing  holiness 
and  resemblance  of  thee. 

Ploly  Watchman  of  thy  people,  who  dost  never  slumber 
nor  sleep;  thou  King  eternal,  immortal  and  invisible  !  un- 
to thee  be  honour  and  glory  for  ever  and  ever.    Amen. 


PRAYER  FOR  TUESDAY  Morning. 

ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting  God,  we  thy  needy  crea- 
tures render  thee  our  humble  praise  for  thy  preserva- 
tion of  us  from  the  beginning  of  our  lives  to  this  day,  and 
especially  for  having  delivered  us  from  the  dangers  of  the 
past  night.  To  thy  watchful  providence  we  owe  it,  that 
we  have  been  kept  in  safety,  and  that  no  disturbance  hath 
come  nigh  our  dwelling.  For  these  thy  mercies  we  bless 
and  praise  thee,  beseeching  thee  to  accept  this  morning 
sacrifice.  And  since  it  is  of  thy  goodness,  O  gracious 
Father,  that  our  existence  is  prolonged  ;  we  here  devote 
both  our  bodies  and  souls  to  thy  service,  in  a  godly,  right- 
eous and  sober  life.  Strengthen  us,  we  beseech  thee,  in 
this  resolution ;  that,  as  we  grow  iu  age,  we  may  grow  in 
grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Je- 
sus Christ.  Have  compassion,  we  pray  thee,  on  our  in- 
firmities ;  and  give  us  the  constant  assistance  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  that  we  may  be  effectually  restrained  from  sin  and 
excited  to  our  duty.  Imprint  upon  our  hearts  such  a  dread 
of  thy  displeasure,  such  a  remembrance  of  the  great  day  of 
judgment,  and  such  a  grateful  sense  of  thy  goodness  to  us, 
as  may  make  us  both  afraid  and  ashamed  to  offand  thee. 
Keep  us  temperate  in  our  enjoyments  and  diligent  in  our 
railings,  just  and  upright  in  our  dealings,  peaceable,  com- 
passionate, and  ready  to  do  good  to  all  men.  Direct  U6  in 
all  our  ways;  prosper  the  work  of  our  hands;  defend  us 
from  calamities  and  sufferings ;  or,  if  thou  shaltbe  pleased 
to  visit  us  with  them, enable  us  to  bear  them  with  patience, 


64  PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

and  to  be  contented  with  our  condition. — These  things, 
and  whatever  else  is  necessary  and  good  for  us,  we  implore, 
with  humble  reliance  upon  thine  intinite  clemency  in  Christ 
Jesus  our  Mediator  and  Redeemer.    Amen. 

6. 
PRAYER  FOR  TUESDAY  Evening. 

MOST  merciful  God,  who  art  of  purer  eyes  than  to  be- 
hold iniquity,  and  hast  promised  forgiveness  to  all 
those  who  confess  and  forsake  their  sins ;  we  come  before 
thee  sensible  of  our  own  un  worthiness,  and  acknowledge 
our  numerous  transgressions  of  thy  righteous  laws.  Look 
upon  us,  we  beseech  thee,  with  compassion  ;  pardon,  of 
thy  free  grace,  all  our  errors  and  sins  ;  give  us  proper 
views  of  the  great  evil  of  them  ;  amend  the  tempers  and 
dispositions  of  our  souls ;  and  cleanse  us  from  all  vicious 
thoughts,  unlawful  designs,  and  inordinate  desires.  May 
we  never  suffer  the  sun  to  go  down  upon  our  wrath,  but 
always  retire  to  our  rest  in  peace,  charity,  and  good-will, 
with  a  conscience  void  of  offence  towards  thee  and  towards 
men. 

Accept,  O  Lord,  our  intercessions  for  all  mankind.  B« 
gracious  unto  thy  church ;  let  the  light  of  thy  gospel  shine 
upon  all  nations ;  bless  all  in  authority  over  us;  do  good 
to  our  relations,  friends,  and  neighbours ;  reward  our  bene- 
factors ;  pardon  those  who  have  done  or  wish  us  evil,  and 
give  them  better  minds  ;  be  merciful  to  all  who  are  in  any 
trouble  ;  and  do  thou,  the  God  of  pity,  minister  to  their 
severs]  necessities. 

Receive  our  thanks,  great  God,  for  our  being,  our  rea- 
son, our  health,  our  friends,  our  food,  our  raiment,  and  all 
the  other  comforts  and  conveniencies  of  life.  Above  all, 
wc  adore  thy  mercy  in  sending  thine  only  Son  to  redeem 
us  from  sin  and  eternal  death,  and  to  give  us  the  knowledge 
of  our  duty  to  thee.  We  bless  thee  for  thy  patience  with 
us,  notwithstanding  our  many  and  great  provocations;  for 
all  the  directions,  assistances  ami  comforts  of  thy  Moly 
Spirit;  and  for  all  thy  benefits  and  favours.  Continue 
fhem  to  us,  we  beseech  thee:  and  gtfe  us  grace  to  shew 
our  thankfulness  by  sincere  obedience  to  thy  laws. 

Defend  U6  tins  night  from  all  dangers  and  miscluefs,  and 


PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES.  65 

bestow  on  us  such  refreshing  sleep  as  may  fit  us  for  the 
duties  of  the  following  day,  if  it  shall  please  thee  to  pro- 
long our  lives.  Make  us  ever  mindful  of  the  time  when 
we  shall  lie  down  in  the  dust ;  and  grant  us  grace  always 
to  live  in  such  a  manner,  that  we  may  never  be  afraid  to 
die.  Whether  living  or  dying,  may  we  be  thine,  through 
the  mediation  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  in  whose  name  we 
offer  up  these  our  imperfect  prayers.    Amen. 


PRAYER  FOR  WEDNESDAY  Morning. 

LORD  God  Almighty,  we  will  praise  thee  with  our 
whole  hearts,  and  shew  forth  thy  goodness  to  the 
children  of  men. 

Thou  hast  placed  the  sun  and  the  moon  in  the  heavens, 
to  give  light  upon  the  earth,  and  to  rule  over  the  day  and 
the  night.  All  creatures  wait  upon  thee,  and  thou  givest 
them  their  meat  in  due  season. 

Thou  hast  preserved  us  and  provided  for  us  in  the  help- 
less state  of  infancy,  and  guided  us  in  the  dangerous  paths 
of  youth.  Thou  hast  supplied  our  daily  wants,  and  brought 
us  to  the  present  moment  in  peace  and  safety.  Through 
the  darkness  of  the  night,  thine  eye  has  been  upon  us  ;  and 
we  appear  before  thee  this  morning,  surrounded  with  the 
gifts  of  thy  bounty. 

Accept,  O  merciful  Father,  our  unfeigned  thanksgivings 
for  these,  and  for  all  our  spiritual  blessings  ;  and  help  us 
so  to  improve  and  apply  them,  that  we  may  be  happy  iu 
thy  favour,  both  in  this  world,  and  that  which  is  to  come. 

May  we  be  in  thy  fear  all  the  day  long,  serve  thee  with 
pure  affection,  and  enjoy  the  good  things  of  life  in  inno- 
cence. In  our  domestic  relations,  may  we  be  all  of  one 
mind,  love  as  brethren,  and  live  in  peace  ;  that  thou,  the 
God  of  peace  and  love,  mayest  be  with  us.  May  all  holy 
dispositions  be  established  in  our  souls,  and  our  lives  be 
adorned  with  all  good  actions.  May  we  rejoice  habitually 
in  thy  government,  and  in  the  hope  of  thine  approbation ; 
and  finally  be  received  into  thine  everlasting  kingdom, 
through  thy  grace  in  thy  blessed  Son,  our  Sanour,  Jesna 
Christ.    Ajnen. 


Co  PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

8. 
PRAYER  FOR  WEDNESDAY  Evening. 

OMOST  merciful  and  gracious  God  !  we  thy  sen-ants 
present  ourselves  before  thee  this  evening,  to  render 
thanks  unto  thee  for  all  thy  mercies,  to  confess  our  sins, 
to  renew  our  good  resolutions,  and  to  commend  ourselves 
to  the  care  of  thy  providence. 

Blessed  be  thy  name  for  all  the  powers,  supports  and  en- 
joyments of  our  nature;  for  all  our  opportunities  of  secu- 
ring happiness  ;  for  our  advantages  as  the  disciples  of  thy 
Son,  for  his  doctrines,  precepts,  example,  sufferings,  and 
resurrection.  Great  is  thy  goodness  to  us  and  to  all  the 
children  of  men;  and  we  confess,  that  we  are  not  worthy 
of  the  mercies  which  we  have  received  at  thy  hands.  In 
many  things,  we  have  all  offended.  Thou  knowest  our 
follies,  and  our  sins  are  not  hidden  from  thee.  We  ac- 
knowledge tliem  with  sorrow  and  penitence;  we  desire  to 
walk  before  thee  in  newness  of  life  ;  and  we  beseech  thee, 
who  despisest  not  a  contrite  heart,  to  pardon  all  our  ini- 
quities and  to  be  merciful  unto  us. 

Teach  us,  O  God,  to  discern  between  good  and  evil; 
and  enable  us,  in  the  midst  of  the  temptations  of  the  world, 
to  hold  fast  our  integrity  and  to  persevere  in  well-doing. 
Grant,  that  neither  hope  nor  fear  may  ever  lead  us  to  de- 
sire or  to  do  what  thou  forbiddest.  Help  us  to  be  harm- 
less and  undented,  to  aim  continually  at  the  mark  of  our 
high  calling,  and  to  fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,  that  we 
may  obtain  the  prize. 

Our  outward  circumstances  in  life  we  leave  entirely  to 
the  disposal  of  thy  wisdom  and  goodness.  We  commit 
ourselves  to  thy  care  through  the  ensuing  night  and  the 
remainder  of  our  days,  with  a  steadfast  persuasion,  that,  if 
it  be  best  for  us,  thou  wilt  defend  us  from  e\  il.  Whatever 
thou  ahalt  appoint,  help  us  to  place  our  whole  confidence 
in  thee.  Leave  us  not,  neither  forsake  us,  O  thou  God  of 
our  salvation.  Bless  our  friends,  and  guide  them  by  thine 
unerring  Spirit.  Have  pity  upon  all  to  whom  wearisome 
nights  nnd  restless  days  are  appointed.  And  raise  all 
men  to  that  land  of  perfect  felicity,  where  Jesus  reigns 
for  ever  and  ever.    Amen. 


PKAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES.  67 

9. 
PRAYER  FOR  THURSDAY  Morning. 

0(iod.  the  giver  of  all  good,  who  delightest  in  the  hap- 
piness of  thy  creatures!  we  would  raise  our  hearts  to 
thee  in  the  exercise  pf  devout  affections.  Having  daily  uni- 
ted to  partake  of  thy  bounty,  we  would  unite  to  give  our 
thanks  unto  thee. 

Thou  hast  been  continually  with  us,  rejoicing  to  do  us 
good:  and  thy  mercies  are  more  than  can  be  numbered. 
Thou  hast  upheld  our  souls  in  life,  and  been  our  refuge 
and  strength,  a  very  present  help  in  trouble.  Thou  hast 
•ontinuaily  fed  and  clothed  us,  and  given  us  many  things 
to  enjoy.  When  we  lie  down  to  rest,  thou  art  our  defence  ; 
and  when  we  awake,  we  are  still  with  thee.  Thou  art 
leading  us  by  the  mediation  of  thy  Son  to  a  better  world, 
and  causing  all  things  to  work  together  for  our  good. 

Father,  we  praise  thee  and  rejoice  in  thy  goodness;  and 
we  desire  at  all  times  to  approve  ourselves  unto  thee. 
Preserve  us,  we  beseech  thee,  from  every  secret  sin.  Dis- 
pose and  assist  us  to  keep  our  hearts,  and  to  watch  over 
our  tongues.  Enable  us  faithfully  to  obey  thee  in  every 
situation,  and  fill  our  minds  with  religious  veneration  and 
gratitude.  Grant, that  we  may  heartily  unite  our  endeav- 
ours to  promote  each  other's  happiness,  hear  with  each 
other's  infirmities, reprove  each  other  in  the  spirit  of  meek- 
ness, put  away  all  pride  and  envy,  all  discontent  and  fret- 
fulness,  all  suspicion  and  jealousy,  and  travel  together  with 
increasing  affection  to  the  land  of  everlasting  joy  and  love. 

Encouraged  by  our  past  experience,  we  humbly  commit 
our  persons  and  concerns  to  thy  direction,  and  confide  in 
thine  unbounded  mercy,  as  revealed  and  pledged  to  us  in 
Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Lord.     Amen. 

10 

PRAYER  FOR  THURSDAY  Evening. 

ALMKrUTY  God,  who  art  the  Rewarder  of  all  them 
that  diligently  seek  thee  !  receive  in  mercy  the  prat- 
ers and  praises  of  thy  children. 

We  adore  thee  as  the  greatest  and  the  best  of  beings, 
the  source  of  all  power,  wisdom,  goodness,  and  happiness. 
I  i 


C8  PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

Without  thee  we  can  do  nothing ;  and  on  thee  we  depend 
from  day  to  day.  Thine  energy  sustains,  tin  presence  an- 
imates, thy  gracious  influence  blesses  the  e  inverse.  Our 
times  are  in  thy  hands;  our  advantages  and  sorrows  are 
dispensed  by  thy  providence.  Thy  mercy  has  given  us  a 
Redeemer,  who  is  able  to  save  unto  the  uttermost ;  and 
thine  unmerited  love  adds  to  our  days  and  satisfactions, 
that  we  may  be  drawn  to  devote  our  hearts  to  thy  service. 

We  confess,  O  Lord,  that  we  have  disobeyed  thy  laws 
and  been  unmindful  of  thy  goodness.  We  lament  with 
sincere  sorrow  our  errors  and  transgressions.  We  desire 
to  forsake  every  evil  way;  and  we  humbly  trust  in  thy 
grace  for  the  forgiveness  of  our  sins.  Being  justified  by 
faith,  may  we  have  peace  with  thee,  he  saved  from  the  do- 
minion of  vice,  and  be  filled  with  the  fruits  of  thy  Spirit. 
May  we  be  at  all  times  sensible  of  the  vanity  of  the  world, 
of  the  deccitfulness  of  sin,  and  of  its  certain  tendency  to 
make  us  miserable.  May  we  entertain  just  convictions  of 
the  worth  of  our  own  souls,  and  of  the  value  and  impor- 
tance of  the  glory  to  which  we  are  called.  May  we  set 
our  affections  upon  the  things  above,  be  armed  against  the 
allurements  and  terrors  of  this  transitory  state,  and  hold 
ourselves  in  constant  readiness  to  depart  hence  and  to 
stand  before  our  Judge. 

Keep  us  this  night,  Almighty  Guardian,  under  thy  watch- 
ful eye.  If  it  be  agreeable  to  thy  will,  let  no  evil  befall  on 
or  ours.  Have  mercy  upon  those,  for  whose  welfare  Ave 
feel  particularly  solicitous.  Comfort  and  sustain  all  who 
are  in  trouble  and  adversity.  Order  all  things  for  us  as 
seemeth  right  in  thy  sight;  and  do  us  good  now  and  ever- 
more according  to  thy  promises  declared  unto  ns  by  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  And  through  him  be  glory  unto  thee  for 
ever  and  ever.     Amen, 

11 
P RAVER  FOR  FRIDAY  Morning. 

ETERNAL  and  incomprehensible  Jehovah.  Father  an(4 
Friend  of  the  children  of  men  !  we  would  acknowledge 
thy  perfections  and  feel  our  dependaucc  on  thee.  Thou 
art  from  everlasting  to  everlasting,  and  with  thee  there  i. 
no  variableness  nor  shadow  of  turning.     Thou  art   lUe 


PRATERS  FOR  FAMILIES.  &J 

righteous  Lord,  whose  countenance  beholdeth  the  upright. 
Thou  acceptest  not  the  persons  of  men,  but  wilt  render 
unto  the  rich  and  the  poor  according  to  their  works. 
Thou  art  good,  and  ever  ready  to  forgive  the  penitent. 

We  thank  thee,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  tor  all  that 
thou  hast  done  for  us.  Thou  hast  brought  us  into  life, 
and  continually  watched  over  us.  Thou  hast  again  pre- 
served us,  and  granted  us  the  refreshment  of  quiet  repose. 
Through  thy  goodness  we  appear  before  thee  at  this  time, 
in  health  and  ease,  with  the  free  use  of  our  reason,  and  in 
the  enjoyment  of  many  blessings.  What  shall  we  render 
unto  thee  for  all  thy  benefits  ?  We  desire  to  show  forth 
thy  praise,  not  only  with  our  lips, but  in  our  lives;  and  to 
spend  this  day  and'the  remainder  of  our  days  in  a  uniform 
obedience  to  thy  holy  commands. 

Incline  our  hearts,  we  beseech  thee,  to  thy  precepts. 
Endue  us  with  that  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity,  which 
are  well-pleasing  unto  thee.  Teach  us  to  live  by  the  faith 
of  thy  Son,  who  hath  loved  us  and  given  himself  for  us. 
Preserve  us  from  thinking  of  ourselves  more  highly  than 
we  ought  to  think,  and  clothe  us  with  the  ornament  of  a 
meek  and  quiet  spirit.  Assist  us  to  take  heed  unto  our 
ways,  to  direct  our  affairs  with  discretion,  to  be  temperate 
in  all  things,  to  walk  within  our  house  with  perfect  hearts, 
and  to  order  our  whole  conversation  and  conduct  accord- 
ing to  thy  will. 

Through  all  the  changes  of  our  lives, £rant,0  God,  that 
we  may  be.  without  eovetousness,  receive  thy  gifts  with 
thankful  hearts,  enjoy  them  with  sobriety  and  benevolence, 
and  endure  afflictions  with  such  patience  that  they  may 
work  out  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight 
of  glory.  And  unto  thee,  the  God  of  all  consolation  and 
grace  in  Christ  Jesus,  be  endless  honour  and  praise. 
Amen. 


12. 

PR. IYER  FOR  FRIDAY  Evening. 
A  LMIGHTY  God,  the  parent  of  all  the  families  of  the 
-£*-  earth  !  we  thy  children  unite  to  present  unto  thee  the 
tribute  justly  due  to  thy  name. 

We  thank  thee,  that  thou  hast  created  us  in  thine  own 


7\>  PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

image,  made  us  capable  of  knowledge  and  wisdom,  eu- 

dowed  us  with  social  affections,  and  implanted  in  us  a 

sense  of  good  and  evil.  We  praise  tliee  lor  our  continual 
support,  ami  acknowledge  that  thou  daily  loadest  us  with 
benefits.  Above  all,  we  bless  thee  for-  thine  inestimable 
love  in  sending  thine  only-begotten  Son,  to  instruct,  to 
guide,  to  save  us  from  sin  and  misery,  and  to  elevate  us 
to  an  inheritance  which  is  incorruptible  in  heaven.  We 
will  bless  thee,  O  Lord,  at  all  times  ;  thy  praise  shall  be 
continually  in  our  mouths. 

While  we  acknowledge  before  thee,  O  God,  thine  in- 
cessant bounty  and  eternal  love;  we  confess  with  shame, 
that  we  have  not  been  as  careful  to  improve  and  make  suit- 
able returns  for  them,  as  it  was  our  duty  to  be.  Though 
thou  hast  nourished  and  brought  us  up  as  children,  we 
have  rebelled  against  thee.  But  we  desire  to  become 
wiser  and  better;  and  we  beseech  thee,  who  art  slow  to 
anger,  to  pardon  all  our  transgressions.  O  Lord,  show  thy 
mercy  upon  us,  and  grant  us  thy  salvation. 

Lead  us  by  thy  gracious  hand  in  the  path  of  our  duty ; 
and,  in  the  time  of  temptation,  let  thy  good  Spirit  be  with 
us,  to  keep  us  from  falling.  May  our  minds  be  purified 
from  all  sinful  affections,  and  be  deeply  impressed  and 
regularly  influenced  by  every  religious  truth.  May  we  be 
steadfast  and  immoveable,  alw  ays  abounding  in  the  work 
of  the  Lord. 

Thou  art  the  Protector  of  all  that  put  their  trust  in  thee. 
We  pray  thee  to  show  compassion  to  such  as  are  in  pain, 
sickness,  or  distress.  We  commend  ourselves,  OUT f Heads, 
and  all  our  concerns  to  thy  holy  keeping.  Defend  us  by 
thy  power,  direct  us  by  thy  wisdom,  provide  for  us  by  thy 
goodness;  and,  when  our  heart  and  our  flesh  shall  fail,  be 
thou,  O  God,  the  strength  of  our  hearts  and  our  portion 
forever.    Amen. 


13. 

PRAYER  FOR  SATURDAY  Morning. 

OGOI),  who  givest  unto  all  creatures  life  and  breath  and 
all  things!  we  thy  servants  would  reverence  thine  in- 
finite perfections,  and  adore  thee  as  the  fountain  of  all  fir- 

tue  and  felicity. 


PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES.  71 

Thou  art  the  same  in  power,  wisdom,  and  goodness, 
throughout  all  generations.  Thou  upholdest  every  being 
by  thy  mighty  word,  and  preserves!  the  regular  succession 
of  day  and  night,  of  Bummer  and  winter,  of  seed-time  and 
harvest.  By  thine  appointment,  the  sun  ariseth,  and  man 
goeth  forth  to  his  work.  The  earth  is  thine  and  the  ful- 
ness thereof. 

Blessed  be  thou,  our  merciful  Father,  for  the  protection 
afforded  us,  for  the  refreshment  of  sleep,  for  our  measure 
of  ease  and  health,  for  every  present  comfort,  and  for  all 
our  hopes  of  future  good.  To  thy  tender  compassion  aloue 
we  ascribe  them,  and  are  sensible  of  the  vast  obligation 
which  they  lay  upon  us  to  love  and  seme  thee  with  every 
faculty  of  our  bodies  and  souls. 

Let  the  consciousness  of  the  homage  and  fidelity  we  owe 
to  thee  accompany  us  wherever  we  go  ;  that  we  may  live 
in  all  good  conscience;  and  that,  whether  we  eat  or  drink 
or  whatever  we  do,  we  may  do  all  to  thy  glory.  Teach 
us  to  be  prudent  in  ordering  our  affairs,  industrious  in  per- 
forming the  business  of  our  stations,  moderate  in  our  de- 
sires and  innocent  in  our  enjoyments,  careful  in  redeeming 
the  time,  resigned  under  chastisement,  courteous  and  can- 
did to  all  around  us,  equitable  and  compassionate  to  those 
with  whom  we  shall  have  to  deal,  grateful  to  our  friends 
and  benefactors,  and  generous  and  forgiving  to  any  that 
may  injure  or  offend  us.  Let  the  same  mind  be  in  us, 
which  was  also  in  Christ  Jesus.  Enable  us  heartily  to  re- 
joice in  his  salvation,  and  cause  all  things  to  work  together 
for  our  eterual  welfare  through  the  riches  of  thy  grace. 
Amen. 

14. 

PRAYER  FOR  SATURDAY  Evviing. 
f~^  REAT  and  glorious  God  !  the  heavens  are  thy  throne, 
"J  and  the  earth  is  thy  footstool.  Thou  art  nigh  unto 
rll  them  that  call  upon  thee  in  sincerity  and  truth.  Thou 
art  conducting  thy  children  in  the  path  of  peace;  and  thou 
continually  atf  jrdest  them  the  supplies  uhich  they  need. 
We  than'ti  thee,  that  we  have  been  preserved  through 
another  day  and  another  week.  We  thank  thee  that  thine 
arm  has  been  our  support,  thy  shield  our  defence,  thy 

lie 


72  PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

providence  and  Spirit  our  guardian  and  guide.  "We  ihnnk 
thee  for  our  personal  and  family  blessings,  (for  our  deliv- 
erance from  dangers  and  calamities,)  and  for  every  agree- 
able and  happy  circumstance  of  our  condition.  \\  e  thank 
thee,  above  all,  that  we  are  brought  to  the  knowledge  of 
thee  and  of  Jesus  Christ  whom  thou  hast  lent;  thai  we 
have  the  promises  of  thy  mercy  5  and  that,  though  this  fi  ail 
existence  is  fleeting  away,  we  have  the  assured  hope  of 
immortal  felicity. — Thy  compassions  fail  not,  great  God, 
though  our  days  on  earth  are  diminishing.  Be  thou  ex- 
alted above  the  heavens !  and  be  thy  sacred  name  praised  N 
for  ever  and  ever! 

Merciful  Father!  blot  out,  we  pray  thee,  the  sins  that 
have  been  committed  by  us  in  the  week  which  is  now 
drawing  to  a  close,  and  in  the  whole  course  of  our  depart- 
ed days.  We  lament,  that  we  have  often  been  led  astray 
and  have  been  chargeable  with  many  negligences  and 
omissions.  We  confess  them  unto  thee  with  an  humble 
and  contrite  spirit;  and  beseech  thee  to  cleanse  our  con- 
sciences from  evil  works,  to  lift  on  us  the  light  of  thy  coun- 
tenance, and  to  give  us  die  blessedness  of  those  whose 
transgressions  arc  covered. 

Dispose  us  to  realize  fully,  that  we  are  the  monuments 
of  thy  sparing  mercy,  in  order  that  our  hearts  may  be  con- 
secrated to  thee.  Illuminate  our  minds  with  ih;»  heal  enly 
truth.     Preserve  us  from  all  false  judgm  aing 

the  ends  of  living  and  the  way  to  happio  us 

from  the  influence  of  vain  customs  and  evil  examples.  In- 
crease our  faith;  enliven  our  hope;  enlarge  our  charity; 
inspire  us  with  every  pious,  virtuous,  and  amiable  disposi- 
tion; and  help  us  to  become  Christians,  not  in  name  only, 
but  in  deed. 

Another  step  has  been  taken  towards  eternity ;  week  af- 
ter week,  and  month  after  month,  are  passing  awaj  ;  and 
we  know,  that  our  times  are  in  thy  hand,  ami 
may  be  to  us  but  a  few  more  days  in  this  world.  Gracious 
God,  suffer  us  not  to  forget  the  shortness  ami  precarii  m-~- 
ness  of  life,  or  the  solemnities  of  judgment  and  etei  oily. 
Prepare  us  to  meet  our  last  end  with  a  ser<  oe  and  pi  ice- 
ful  mind.  Incline  us  so  to  pass  through  things  temporal, 
that  we  may  not  forget  the  tilings  which  are  eternal.  Help 
us  to  love  each  other  as  beings,  •<  ho  have  each  other's  <wrr- 


PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES.  7o 

mortal  happiness  at  heart;  and,  after  we  shall  have  heen 
separated  tram  one  another  by  death,  be  pleased  to  unite 
us  m  holy  fellowship  before  the  throne  of  God  and  the 
Lamb. 

We  commend  oar  bodies  and  our  souls  to  thy  care ;  and 
beseech  thee  to  do  good  unto  all  men.  We  offer  up  these 
our  prayers  in  the  name  of  Jesus,  through  whom  we  trust 
that  we  shall  be  pardoned  and  accepted  now  and  ever- 
more.    Amen. 

15. 

GRACE  BEFORE  AND  AFTER  MEAT. 

ALMIGHTY  Father!  the  blessings,  which  we  are  about 
to  receive,  are  thy  gift.    May  they  be  enjoyed  with  a 
sense  of  thy  love  to  us  and  all  mankind.     Amen. 

"WE  acknowledge,  heavenly  Father,  that  thou  art  the 
source  of  all  our  enjoyments.  Help  us  to  receive  thy 
bounty,  with  grateful,  contented,  and  obedient  hearts; 
Amen. 

Tf  IE  eyes  of  all  wait  upon  thee,  O  Lord ;  and  thou  giv- 
est  them  their  meat  in  due  season.  Thou  openest  thine 
hand, and  satisiiest  the  desire  of  every  living  thing.    Amen. 

BLESSED  be  thy  name,  O  thou  Author  of  all  good, 
for  this  present  refreshment  and  for  all  other  mercies. 
May  they  strengthen  us  to  the  performance  of  every  duty 
as  disciples  of  thy  Son.     Amen. 

AGAIN  we  experience,  O  God,  that  thou  art  good. 
May  thy  goodness  be  continued  to  us,  and  be  extended  to 
all  mankind.    Amen. 

THOU  hast  afforded  us  another  proof  of  thy  benevolent 
care.  O  thou  Parent  of  men  !  may  it  fill  us  with  gratitude 
to  thee,  and  dispose  us  to  be  kind  to  others  even  as  thou 
art  kind  unto  us.    Amen. 


;4  PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

THOU,  Lord,  art  our  Shepherd;  we  shall  not  want. 
May  we  never  be  wanting  in  our  duty  to  thee ;  and  may 
thy  mercy  follow  us  all  the  days  of  our  lives.     Amen. 

GOD  of  compassion  !  thou  fillest  our  hearts  with  food 
and  gladness.  Make  us  duly  thankful,  we  beseech  thee; 
and  be  pleased  to  feed  the  hungry,  and  to  provide  for  all 
the  needy,  now  and  evermore.     Amen. 

DIVINE  Benefactor  !  thou  hast  blessed  our  labours  for 
the  meat  which  perisheth.  Help  us  to  labour  successfully 
for  that  meat,  which  endureth  unto  everlasting  life.  Amen. 


16. 

PRAYER  FOR  A  FAMILY  at  the  close 
of  tlia  year. 

ETERNAL  Jehovah  !  in  thee  we  live  and  move  and 
have  our  being.  In  thy  hand  is  our  breath  ;  it  is  be- 
cause thou  hast  sustained  us,  that  we  have  continued  to 
this  day.  With  praise  to  thee,  the  God  of  our  lives,  we 
come  into  thy  presence  ;  with  thinks  to  thee,  the  unfailing 
source  of  mercy !  Thou  didst  bring  us  into  this  world,  and 
place  us  on  this  stage  of  action.  Thou  didst  uphold  us  in 
the  helpless  days  of  infancy,  and  preserve  us  from  the  in- 
numerable evils  to  which  we  were  then  exposed.  We 
tasted  of  thy  bounty, before  we  were  capable  of  perceiving 
the  hand  from  which  it  came.  With  every  returning  jrear 
thy  favours  have  been  multiplied  upon  us.  Thou  bast  been 
with  us  ami  hast  helped  us  in  all  our  troubles.  Often  hast 
thou  healed  our  diseases,  removed  our  8  KTOWs,  and  re- 
newed our  strength.  Thy  candle  has  shifted  upon  our 
tabernacle;  thy  corn  has  nourished  us;  thy  smiles  have 
gladdened  our  hearts.  Whilst,  many  have  been  cut  oil*  and 
nave  passed  into  an  awful  eternity,  we  are  yet  numbered 
with  the  living.  Whilst  thousands  have  fallen  at  our  right 
hand  and  our  left,  we  continue  to  stand,  witnesses  that 
thou  art  good  to  the  evd  and  unthankful.  Through  the 
riches  of  thy  forbearance  and  longsuffering,  thou  art  con- 
f inning  us  in  a  state  of  trial,  giving  unto  us  space  for  re- 


PRAYEKS  FOR  FAMILIES.  U 

pentance,  and  favouring  us  with  thy  holy  gospel  and  with 
all  necessary  means  of  grace  and  reformation. 

God  of  compassion,  take  not  thy  Spirit  from  us.  Con- 
tinue to  us  thy  heavenly  blessings.  Prepare  us  for  future 
changes  in  our  condition,  and  let  them  be  sanctified  to  our 
truest  interest  and  happiness.  We  commit  oarsclves  to 
thy  care;  we  devote  ourselves  to  thy  service;  we  refer  all 
events  concerning  us  to  thine  infinite  wisdom  and  fatherly 
goodness.  Lead  us  seasonably  to  consider  the  things 
which  belong  to  our  peace.  Give  us  realizing  views  ot 
death  and  a  judgment  to  come.  Enable  us  to  depart  from 
the  world,  when  thou  shalt  call  us  away,  with  tranquility 
and  comfort  of  mind,  exempt  from  the  terrors  of  guilt ! 
and  bring  us  to  the  enjoyment  of  thy  favour  in  the  realms 
of  glory,  through  the  mediation  of  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son, 
our  Lord.    Amen. 


17. 

PRAYER  FOR  A  FAMILY  at  the  beginning 
of  the  year. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh,  Pre- 
server and  Ruler  of  the  children  of  men !  hear  in 
mercy  thy  servants,  who  raise  their  hearts  unto  thee.  We 
acknowledge,  that,  in  seasons  past,  we  have  often  been  too 
earnest  about  the  things  of  sense  and  time,  too  regardless 
of  the  objects  of  faith  and  futurity.  We  confess,  that  we 
have  too  often  walked  in  a  vain  show,  and  disquieted  our- 
selves in  vain.  We  cannot  attempt  to  deny,  that  we  have 
been  frequently  undutiful  and  unthankful.  Wouldst  thou 
judge  us  without  mercy,  we  should  be  utterly  destitute  of 
hope.  Wouldst  thou  deal  with  us  according  to  our  sins, 
we  should  be  miserable  indeed.  Rut  we  rejoice,  that  thou 
desirest  not  the  ruin  of  th\  creatures,  but  rather  that  they 
should  repent  and  live.  It  i*  our  desire  to  cast  off  all  the 
unfruitful  works  of  darkness,  and  to  walk  as  children  of 
the  light  and  of  the  day.  It  is  our  purpose,  that  this  year 
shall  witness  our  greater  reformation  from  every  thing 
that  is  amiss  in  us,  and  our  increasing  improvement  in  the 
graces  of  the  Christian  religion. 

If  it  be  consistent  with  the  purposes  of  thine  inscrutable 
wisdom,  we  pray  that  our  lives  may  be  spared;  not  merely 


76  PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

that  we  may  enjoy  an  animal  existence,  but  that  we  may 
be  furnished  with  an  opportunity  of  doing  good  and  be- 
coming better.  We  commit  allour  concerns  to  thee ;  and 
would  submit  to  those  circumstances,  which  thou,  who 
alone  knowest  what  is  best  for  us,  shalt  ordain.  If  thou 
wilt,  we  desire  the  continuance  of  health  and  comfort  If 
thou  shouldst  send  sickness  or  adversity  to  us,  may  we  be 
prepared  for  these  and  all  other  changes  of  our  situation. 
If  it  be  thy  decree,  that  this  year  any  of  us  shall  die  ;  may 
we  be  ready  for  our  departure.  We  dare  not  say,  that  we 
will  do  this  or  that :  but  we  would  cherish  one  resolution, 
to  become  and  always  to  be  such  persons  as  thou  shalt  be 
pleased  to  approve. 

Heavenly  Father !  do  thou  preserve  us  from  ever}'  in- 
jurious delay.  Let  not  the  night  of  darkness,  in  which  no 
man  can  work,  overtake  us  unawares.  Forbid,  that  we 
should  ever  presume  on  life,  or  boast  of  to-morrow,  or  be 
immoderately  attached  to  earthly  tilings.  May  we  always 
do  with  diligence  what  thou  appointest  us  to  perform.  If 
death  shall  approach  us  by  slow  advances,  may  it  find  us 
well  employed;  and  if  we  are  suddenly  called  to  exchange 
worlds,  may  it  not  be  our  lot  to  have  treasured  up  fear  and 
remorse.*— Hear  us,  we  beseech  thee,  in  these  our  suppli- 
cations, which  we  offer  up  in  the  name  of  our  great  Me- 
diator. And  unto  thee,  the  King  eternal,  immortal,  and 
invisible, be  honour  and  glory,  for  ever  and  ever,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


13. 

PRAYER  FOR  A  FAMILY,  hi  behalf  of  a  sick  person. 

OGOl),  who  hast  taught  us,  at  all  times  and  in  every 
condition,  to  make  our  requests  known  unto  thee  ! 
We  would  adore  thee  as  the  author  and  arbiter  of  life,  and 
the  disposer  of  sickness  and  of  death.  We  offer  up  our 
humble  supplications  in  behalf  of  thy  servant,  who  is  la- 
bouring under  pain  and  disease.  Look  down  upon  1dm 
(her)  with  mercy;  let  the  consideration  of  thy  goodness 
and  wisdom  strengthen  and  comfort  hit  soul;  and  let  the 
doctrines  and  example  of  thy  Son  enable  him  to 
suffer  with  patience.  We  pray  u  itli  submission  to  thy 
providence,  that  thou  wouidst  be  pleased  to  remove  his 


PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES.  77 

tJisorder,  and  restore  him  to  health.  Graciously  prolong 
his  days  upon  earth ;  and  grant,  that  his  affliction  may  pro- 
duce in  him  the  fruits  of  righteousness,  to  the  honour  of 
thv  name.  By  the  sadness  of  his  countenance,  may  his 
heart  he  made  better;  and  may  he  long  live,  to  manifest 
Ids  thankfulness  to  thee,  and  to  do  good  in  his  generation. 

But,  if  this  affliction  should  be  unto  death,  may  thy  ser- 
vant be  prepared  to  give  himself  up  into  thy  hands,  with 
Christian  fortitude,  in  joyful  expectation  of  thy  mercy  unto 
eternal  life.  Give  him  unfeigned  repentance  for  all  his 
sins,  and  a  firm  reliance  on  thy  gracious  promises  in  Christ 
Jesus  our  Lord.  May  the  hope  of  thy  favour  support  him 
in  his  last  hour;  may  he  leave  the  world  in  peace  of  mind, 
and  in  charity  with  all  men;  and  may  he  be  received  into 
thy  heavenly  kingdom,  and  be  made  a  partaker  of  that 
happiness,  which  eye  bath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  and 
which  it  hath  not  entered  into  the  heart  of  man  to  conceive. 

O  Cod,  teach  us  to  be  vvise;  console  our  hearts;  and 
command  thy  blessing  upon  thy  servant,  even  life  ever- 
more, through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  and  Saviour.  Amen. 

19. 

PRAYER  FOR  A  FAMILY,  in  behalf  of  a  sick  child. 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  thou  ail  the  foun- 
tain of  all  good,  the  refuge  of  the  distressed,  the  friend 
and  comforter  of  those  who  look  up  to  thy  throne  for  help. 
AYe  would  offer  up  our  prayers  unto  thee  in  behalf  of  the 
child,  on  whom  thou  hast  seen  fit  to  lay  thine  afflicting 
hand.  We  beseech  thee,  if  it  be  consistent  with  thy  wise 
and  holy  will,  to  bless  the  means  employed  for  his  recov- 
ery, and  to  raise  him  up  to  health  and  strength.  Suffer 
not  the  wishes  of  his  parents  to  be  disappointed  ;  but  in 
thy  great  mercy  spare  him,  to  be  the  comfort  and  support 
of  their  advancing  years,  and  to  glorify  thy  name  by  obey- 
ing thee  and  becoming  useful  in  the  world.  But,  whatever 
thou  hast  determined  concerning  Aim, thy  will,  O  God, be 
done  !  Preserve  us  from  fainting  under  thy  chastisements ; 
and,  if  thou  takest  him  away  from  the  world,  \ouchsafe  to 
receive  his  soul  into  that  blessed  land,  where  sorrow  and 
death  are  unknown.  Into  thy  hands  we  commit  him,  our- 
selves, and  all  whom  we  love  :  and  we  Humbly  pray.  that. 


7*  PRAYERS  *0R  FAMILIES. 

by  all  the  dispensations  of  thy  providence,  we  may  he 
trained  up  for  that  state,  where  thou  wilt  wipe  away  all 
tears  from  the  eyes  of  mourners,  and  where  pious  friends 
and  relations  shall  rejoice  with  each  other  for  ever  and 
ever,  through  thine  unspeakable  love  in  Christ  Jesus  out 
Lord.     Amen. 

20 
THANKSGIVING  OF  A  FAMILY, 

for  tlie  recovery  of  a  Member  of  the  same  from  dan" 
gtfous  sickness. 

MOST  merciful  and  gracious  God,  the  Creator  and  Pre- 
server of  the  universe !  -we  would  raise  our  hearts 
with  grateful  sentiments  unto  thee,  from  whom  alone  com- 
eth  our  help.  We  acknowledge,  that  thou  rulest  over  all ; 
that  of  thee,  and  through  thee,  and  t»  thee  are  all  things. 
Thou  speakest,  and  it  is  done ;  thou  commandest,  and  it 
stands  fast.  The  skill  of  the  physician,  and  the  power  of 
medicine  are  derived  from  thee.  It  is  thou,  who  healest 
all  our  diseases,  who  redeemest  our  lives  from  destruc- 
tion, and  renewest  our  strength;  and  to  thy  name  alone 
be  all  the  glory  and  honour.  We  render  unto  thee  our 
united  and  hearty  thanks  for  thy  great  goodness,  manifest- 
ed to  thy  servant,  whom  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  raise 
from  the  bed  of  sickness,  and  to  restore  to  a  capacity  of 
performing  the  duties  and  enjoying  the  comforts  of  life. 
To  thy  kind  providence  we  ascribe  it,  that  this  affliction 
hath  not  been  unto  death,  and  that  the  voice  of  health  and 
rejoicing  is  again  heard  in  our  habitation.  We  praise  thee, 
O  Lord,  for  thou  hast  dealt  bountifully  with  us.  May  thv 
servant,  whom  thou  hast  rescued  from  the  devouring 
grave,  manifest  his  (her  )  sense  of  thy  loving  kindness  by 
devoting  the  remainder  of  his  davs  to  thee,  as  a  true  dis- 
ciple of  his  Master  and  Redeemer,  in  a  constant  obedience 
to  thy  holy  commandments.  May  the  remembrance  of 
what  thou  hast  done  for  Jus  soul  confirm  and  establish  hii 
good  resolutions,  and  inspire  him  with  a  lively  confidence 
10  thy  protection  and  care.  May  this  instance  of  thy  mercy 
to  our  family  engage  us  all  to  love  thee  with  our  whole 
hearts,  and  to  rejoice  in  thy  providence.  A\  bile  we  have 
health  and  life,  may  we  never  abuse  or  trifle  with  them, 
hut  be  careful  to  improve  tin  m  well,  and  promote  each 
other's  happiness  to  the  atmosl  of  our  ability. 


PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES.  79 

It  is  better  to  trust  in  thee,  O  Lord,  than  to  put  confi- 
dence in  man.  Thou  art  our  refuge  and  our  God,  and  we 
will  praise  thee.  We  will  give  thanks  unto  thee;  for 
tltou  art  good,  and  thy  mercy  endureth  for  ever.     Amen. 

21. 

A  PRAYER  on  the  death  of  any  person  in  a  family. 

ETERNAL  God,  without  whose  direction  and  provi- 
dence nothing  can  happen  to  us  in  life  or  death  !  out 
of  the  depths  of  affliction  and  sorrow  we  lift  up  our  souls 
unto  thee  ;  for  in  thee  alone  are  our  help  and  hope. 

Our  existence  is  in  thy  hands,  and  all  our  enjoyments 
arc  at  thy  disposal.  Thou  didst  at  first  call  us  into  being 
by  thy  mighty  power;  and,  when  thou  takest  away  our 
breath,  we  die  and  return  to  the  dust. 

In  the  midst  of  life,  Ave  are  in  death.  To  whom  may 
we  seek  for  succour,  but  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  who  changes* 
not,  and  who  hast  been  the  refuge  of  thy  children  in  all 
generations  ?  The  Lord  liveth  ;  let  our  hearts  rejoice ; 
and  let  the  God  of  our  salvation  be  for  ever  exalted.  Un- 
der all  the  troubles  of  this  life,  thy  mercy  is  our  confi- 
dence and  support.  Even  as  a  Father  piticth  his  children, 
so  thou  hast  compassion  upon  the  sons  of  men.  Infinite 
wisdom  and  love  direct  all  thy  dispensations.  Behold  thy 
servants,0  Lord  ;  do  with  us  whatsoever  seemethgood  in 
thy  sight  The  Lord  gave  ;and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away : 
blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord.  Blessed  be  thy  name, 
especially,  that,  according  to  thine  abundant  mercy,  thou 
hast  begotten  us  again,  by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ 
thy  Son,  to  the  lively  hope  of  an  inheritance,  that  is  unde- 
filed  and  fadeth  not  away. 

Teach  us,  O  most  gracious  God,  by  the  instances  of  mor- 
tality which  are  before  our  eyes,  and  particularly  by  the 
present  mournful  event,  to  see  how  short  and  uncertain 
our  abode  on  earth  is,  and  so  to  number  our  days  that  we 
may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom  and  seek  the  things 
which  are  above.  May  we  spend  the  remainder  of  our 
time  in  this  world  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  every  Chris- 
tian duty  ;  and  study  to  live  in  such  a  manner,  as  we  shall 
wish  to  have  done,  when  we  come  to  die.  Give  us  grace 
to  follow  the  good  examples  of  those,  who  have  departed 
hente  in  thy  faith  and  fear;  that  we  may  with  them  be 
K  k 


SO  PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

partakers  of  thy  heavenly  kingdom.  Grant,  that  we  may 
labour  with  increasing  zeal  to  become  the  true  disciples 
of  our  blessed  Saviour ;  and,  after  believing  in  him  and 
obeying  him  here  below,  be  united  with  him  at  thy  right 
hand,  and,  with  all  whom  we  love  ami  with  the  virtuous 
and  pious  of  all  nations  and  tongues,  praise  thee  through 
endless  ages.     Amen. 

22. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  PARENTS,  on  the  death 
of  a  young  child. 

OTHOU,  who  hast  appointed  unto  all  men  once  to  die, 
and  who  alone  knowest  what  is  really  good  for  us! 
Ave  fly  to  thee  beseeching  thee  to  sanctify  unto  us  the  be- 
reavement, which  fills  our  hearts  with  grief.  Thou  hast 
united  us  to  the  objects  of  our  innocent  affection  by  the 
tenderest  ties ;  and  we  bless  thee,  that  thou  wast  pleased 
to  give  us  our  departed  child,  and  to  bestow  on  us  the  sat- 
isfactions and  joys  which  parents  feel.  Thou  hast  v.  ith  the 
arrow  of  death  taken  away  from  us  this  beloved  being;  and 
we  would  bow  with  resignation  to  thy  sovereign  appoint- 
ment. We  commit  its  body  to  the  grave,  and  its  soul  to 
thine  infinite  mercy.  And  we  rejoice  and  thank  thee,  that 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  has  declared:  "  Buffer  the  little 
"  children  to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid  it  not,  for  of  such 
"  is  the  kingdom  of  God." 

Compassionate  Father !  console  our  sorrows,  we  pray 
thee  •,  and  prevent  us  from  despising  thy  christenings,  or 
fainting  when  rebuked  of  thee.  Teach  us  more  perfectly 
to  do  and  suffer  thy  will,  and  to  draw  instruction  from  the 
adversities  which  we  experience.  Affect  us  with  just  con- 
victions of  the  vanity  of  human  life,  and  the  uncertainty  of 
earthly  comforts.  Dispose  us  to  work  out  our  own  salva- 
tion with  fear  and  trembling,  and  to  give  the  most  serious 
attention  to  the  religious  instruction  and  improvement  of 
those  whom  thou  hast  preserved  to  us.  Instead  of  attempt- 
ing fully  to  explain  the  unsearchable  mysteries  of  thy  gov- 
ernment,  may  our  hearts  rest  assured,  that  all  things  shall 
work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love  thee  ;  and  may 
we  steadily  look  forward  to  the  resurrection  of  the  just 
and  the  re-union  of  those  who  die  in  the  Lord,  through 
our  exalted  Saviour  and  Redeemer.    Amen. 


PART  II. 


PRAYERS 

FOR  THE  USE  OF  LXDIVIDUJLS. 


PRAYERS  FOR  THE  MORNING. 

OLORD,  ray  heavenly  Father,  who  hast  safely  brought 
me  to  the  beginning  of  this  day :  defend  me  through 
the  same  by  thy  mighty  power,  and  grant  that  I  may 
neither  fall  into  sin,  nor  run  into  any  kind  of  danger. 
May  all  my  words  and  doings  he  ordered  agreeably  to  thy 
holy  will ;  and  my  heart  be  pure  and  acceptable  in  thy 
sight !  May  it  please  thee  to  give  such  success,  as  thou 
seest  to  be  best  for  me,  to  my  labours  and  pursuits ;  to 
bless  my  friends ;  to  do  good  unto  all  men ;  and  to  raise 
them  and  me  to  thy  heavenly  kingdom,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 


ALMIGHTY  God,  the  gracious  Preserver  of  the  chil- 
dren of  men  !  accept  the  thanks  of  thy  servant  for  the  con- 
tinual protection  of  thy  providence.  When  1  retire  to  rest, 
thou  coverest  me  with  the  shades  of  the  evening ;  and, 
when  I  arise,  thou  visitest  me  with  the  day-spring  from  ou 
high.  Thy  blessing  is  ever  upon  iuc,  and  day  and  night 
thy  loving-kindness  follows  me.  Enable  me  to  be  duly 
and  habitually  sensible  of  what  I  owe  to  thee,  and  to  rely 
upon  thy  care.  I  devote  myself  to  thy  service,  and  rejoice 
that  my  times  are  in  thy  hand.  Help  me,  while  I  live,  to 
live  to  thee ;  that,  when  I  die,  I  may  die  to  thee,  and  feel 
happy  in  the  assurance  of  thy  mercy  and  the  hope  of  ever- 
lasting life,  through  Jesus  Christ  my  Lord  and  Saviour, 
Amen. 


O  GOD,  by  whose  gracious  providence  I  have  been  pre- 
served through  the  past  night,  and  am  risen  this  morning 


IS  PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

with  the  free  use  of  my  rational  faculties  and  in  the  eujoy- 
ment  of  the  blessings  of  life:  I  lookup  to  thee  as  my  high- 
est benefactor  and  friend,  and  thank  thee  for  the  goodness 
which  I  have  experienced,  when  unconscious  of  my  being 
and  incapable  of  guarding  against  danger  and  death.  I 
humbly  commit  myself  to  thy  protection  this  day,  beseech- 
ing thee  to  defend  me  from  evil  and  to  give  me  those 
blessings  which  1  need.  Above  all,  be  pleased,  merciful 
Father,  to  pardon  my  errors;  and  assist  me  to  shun  temp- 
tation, to  watch  over  my  passions,  to  govern  my  tongue,  to 
keep  myself  innocent  and  undehled,  and  cheerfully  to  do 
that  which  is  pleasing  unto  thee.  Hear  my  prayer,  and 
accept  of  me  according  to  the  covenant  of  thy  love  through 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

GOD  of  my  life,  another  night  has  passed  away  ;  and  I 
arise  from  death-like  insensibility  to  new  existence. 
Whether  I  sleep  or  am  awake,  I  am  encircled  by  thy  mighty 
arms,  and  share  thy  love.  Thou  hast  preserved  my  breath ; 
thou  iuspirest  me  with  new  vigour ;  and  thou  callest  me 
to  new  enjoyments.  To  thee  my  spirit  ascends  on  the 
wings  of  devotion  and  gratitude,  and  consecrates  all  its 
powers  and  faculties.  What  may  I  not  hope  for  from 
thee,  who  continually  watchest  over  me,  and  who  hast  not 
even  spared  thy  well-beloved  Son,  but  hast  given  him  up 
freely  for  the  children  of  men  ? 

Animated  by  this  confidence,  1  desire  to  go  on  my  way 
rejoicing,  to  accomplish  with  cheerfulness  whatever  thou 
oallest  me  to  do,  and  to  bear  with  patience  whatever  thou 
appointest  me  to  suffer.  This  day,  too,  Father,  thou  wilt 
in  mercy  direct  and  help  thy  feeble  child,  proportion  my 
strength  to  my  duties  and  trial*,  and  lead  me  in  that  path 
which  thou  knowest  to  be  good  for  me.  Let  this  persua- 
sion support  my  soul,  and  enable  me  to  entertain  an  habit- 
ual regard  to  thee.  I  am  thine,  by  the  strongest  ties  ;  and 
thine  may  I  remain  in  life  and  in  death,  through  Jesus 
Christ  thy  Son,  my  Saviour.     Ameu. 


PRAYERS  FOR  THE  EVENING. 

X  LMIGHTY  God,   thou  hast  bestowed  upon  me  innu- 

^V  merable  benefits,  and  hast  added  to    all  thy  former 


PHAYEUS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  83 

mercies  the  safety  and  happiness  which  I  have  this  day  en- 
joyed. Forgive,  I  beseech  thee,  whatever  may  have  been 
wrong  in  m\  feelings,  conversation,  or  deportment;  and 
fill  me  with  an  ardent  solicitude  to  serve  thee  faithfully  in 
the  time  that  may  yet  remain.  I  commit  myself  and  all 
my  friends  to  thy  gracious  protection  this  night,  reposing 
the  confidence  of  my  soul  on  thy  providence.  After  hav- 
ing renewed  my  strength  by  a  peaceful  repose,  may  1  re- 
turn to  the  duties  of  life  with  a  steadfast  resolution  to  do 
all  thy  will  with  diligence;  that,  when  my  days  on  earth 
shall  he  numbered,  1  may  be  received  into  thine  eternal 
rest  and  joy  through  thy  blessed  Son  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  my  heavenly  Father,  from  .whom 
cometh  every  good  and  perfect  gift;  I  raise  my  soul  to 
thee,  entreating  thee  to  keep  me  continually  under  thy  care. 
If  it  seem  good  in  thy  sight,  grant  me  the  blessing  of  quiet 
sleep;  that  1  may  arise  in  the  morning  in  health,  to  labour 
in  thy  service  and  live  in  thy  fear.  Let  it  please  thee  to 
lift  up  the  light  of  thy  countenance  upon  me,  and  to  give 
me  peace  both  now  and  evermore.     Amen. 

O  God,  my  great  Creator,  Preserver,  and  Benefactor! 

approach  thee  with  the  grateful  acknowledgments  of  my 
heart  for  the  mercies,  by  which  I  have  been  cheered,  and 
blessed  this  day.  Whatever  share  of  happiness  1  possess, 
whatever  measure  of  prosperity  I  enjoy  ;  to  thee  belongs 
the  praise,  and  to  thine  unmerited  tiivour  alone  I  ascribe 
it.  With  whatever  neglect,  imperfection, and  transgression 
of  duty,  I  am  chargeable ;  J  take  the  shame  of  them  to  my- 
self, and  sincerely  repent  of  them.  Forgive  nut,  I  be 
thee,  parent  of  mercies,  upon  the  gracious  terms  of  thy 
gospel;  and  implant  a  right  spirit  within  me.  Vouchsafe 
to  take  me,  and  all  in  whom  I  am  concerned,  into  thy  care 
and  protection  through  this  night  ;  and  lead  us  and  the 
whole  human  family,  in  the  paths  of  thy  good  providence, 
to  everlasting  life  and  happiness,  through  thine  infinite  love 
in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

GOD  of  compassion!  with   what  velocity  all  my  days 
speed  their  flight  and  vanish  away  !  how  few  arc  the  traces 
Kk2 


84  PRAYERS  FOI!  INDIVIDUALS. 

which  they  leave  behind  !  what  is  my  existence  on  earth, 
but  a  dream,  from  which  I  shall  awake,  with  joy  or  terror, 
to  a  new  and  never-ending  life  .' 

I  will  lay  me  down,  and  sleep  in  peace;  for  thou,  O 
Lord,  makest  me  to  dwell  in  safety.  Thou  continually 
upholdest,  and  showerest  down  blessings  upon  me,  and 
oomfortest  my  soul  in  sorrow.  All  the  successive  periods 
of  ray  pilgrimage  are  distinguished  by  the  proofs  ot  thy  be- 
nevolence and  mercy.  O  that  they  may  also  be  distin- 
guished by  numerous  proofs  of  ray  gratitude  and  obedience 
to  thee  !  O  that  1  may  sleep  in  Jesus,  when  my  last  hour 
shall  arrive,  with  the  same  composure  with  which  I  lie 
down  upon  my  bed;  with  a  mind  free  from  the  stings  and 
reproaches  of  guilt,  conscious  of  in  ward  sincerity  and  rec- 
titude, firmly  relying  upon  the  promises  sealed  with  my 
Saviour's  blood,  trusting  through  him  in  thy  forbearance 
and  paternal  love,  and  rejoicing  in  the  prospect  of  that 
blissful  immortality  which  he  brought  to  light ! 

My  heavenly  Father,  establish  thou  this  wish  in  my 
soul  ;  make  it  the  chief  principle  and  motive  of  all  I  think 
and  say  and  do  ;  help  me  to  revive  and  strengthen  it  every 
morning  and  evening.  Make  me  perfect  iu  every  good 
work ;  and  to  thy  name  be  all  the  glory,  for  ever  and 
ever.    Amen. 


A  PRAYER  FOR  A  YOUNG  PERSON. 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  who  hast  called 
me  into  being,  that  I  might  enjoy  thy  bounty  here  and 
he  prepared  for  everlasting  happiness  hereafter  !  I  look  up 
to  thee,  the  source  of  every  blessing,  beseeching  thee  to 
guide,  to  support  and  Strengthen  mc.  Surrounded  with 
dangers,  to  whom  should  I  apply  for  succour  but  to  thee, 
who  hast  promised,  that  those  w"ho  seek  thee  early  and  dil- 
igently shall  find  thee  }  O  help  me  habitually  to  remem- 
ber thee,  my  Creator,  Benefactor,  Redeemer,  ami  Judge. 
Impress  on  my  mind  that  reverence  of  thee,  which  is  the 
beginning  of  wisdom.  Dispose  me  to  value,  as  I  ought, 
the  religion  of  thy  blessed  Son,  and  to  make  his  doctrine 
and  example  my  only  directory  and  rule.  Preserve  me 
from  all  corrupt  communications,  from  those  youthful  lustb 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  sf, 

which  war  against  the  soul,  from  all  unehastity  in  thought, 
word,  ami  action.  Preserve  my  tongue  from  uttering  false- 
hood,  deceit,  or  impiety,  and  my  hands  from  committing 

injustice.  Give  me  a  cautious,  sober,  and  devout  mind, 
that  I  may  tremble  at  the  hazard  of  ever  standing  in  the 
May  of  sinners,  or  walking-  after  the  counsel  of  the  ungod- 
ly, or  following:  evil  companions.  Enable  me  to  respect 
the  lessons  of  age  and  experience;  clothe  me  with  the  or- 
nament of  a  humble,  meek  and  contented  spirit  ;  and  grant, 
that  1  may  carefully  avoid  even'  thing,  which  1  would  blush 
to  reveal  to  my  fellow-men,  and  wluch  would  till  me  with 
confusion  and  fear  when  I  think  of  thee.  Forbid,  great 
God,  that  1  should  misapply  or  trifle  with  any  portion  of 
that  precious  time,  for  the  use  of  which  1  am  accountable 
at  thy  bar.  Give  me  grace  to  find  my  highest  delight  in 
studying  and  obeying  thy  word,  in  approving  myself  to 
thee,  in  discharging  my  duty  to  those  with  whom  lam  con- 
nected, in  labouring  to  become  useful  in  my  day  and  gen- 
eration, and  in  forming  those  habits  which  will  quality  me 
for  the  felicity  of  heaven. 

I  pray  for  these  and  for  all  other  blessings  in  the  name 
of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  through  whom  1  humbly  hope  to 
be  pardoned  and  accepted  now  and  evermore.  Amen. 


A  PRAYER  FOR  AX  AGED  PERSOX. 

OTHOU  great  author  and  supporter  of  life,  who  hast 
been  the  refuge  of  thy  children  in  every  age  !  to  thee 
1  raise  my  heart  with  thanksgiving  and  supplication.  Thou 
hast  maintained  my  frail  existence, through  many  years, 
and  crowned  its  successive  periods  with  thy  mercies. 
Where  should  I  begin,  or  w  here  should  1  cease,  would  I 
enumerate  the  favours,  which  thy  hand  has  bestowed  on 
me  }  With  what  incessant  kindness  hast  thou  supplied  the 
wants  both  of  my  body  and  of  my  soul,  opened  to  me  ma- 
ny sources  of  satisfaction,  shielded  me  from  dangers  and 
calamities,  consoled  and  sustained  me  under  trials  and  dis- 
tresses, and  conducted  my  feet  into  the  path  of  peace  ! 
What  gratitude  do  I  owe  to  thee,  especially,  for  the  light 
and  assistance  of  thy  holy  gospel,  for  its  precious  promises 
and  animating  hopes,  and  for  the  many  opportunities  and 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

means  of  imp.  hich  I  have  enjoyed  ! — Hitherto 

thou  has  •  Slped  m  • ;  and  my  only  trust  is  in  thy 

sure  and  m 

I  confess  to  thee  my  many  errors  and 
ssions,  with  sorrow  and  repentance.    Of  thine  in- 
ivc  whatever  1  have  thought  Or  said  or 
done  amiss  in  the  whole  course  of  my  pilgrimage.     Let 
m\   hoar)   head   be  found  in  the  way  of  r 
Whatever  I  may  have  neglected,  what  ins  to  be 

done,  assist  me  to  perform  immediately  and  to  the  best  of 
my  ability.  If  1  have  injured  any,  enable  me  to  discover 
it,  that  1  may  make  due  reparation  before  I  go  hence. 
Sanctify  my  mind,  correct  my  passions,  pre»  h  e  me  from 
every  sin  to  which  I  am  exposed.  Save  me  I 
censorious,   severe,  impatient   and   <  temper. 

Teach  me  to  he  thankful  to  those  who  contribute  to  my 
ease  and  comfort, to  rejoice  in  the  happiness  of  all  around 
me,  and  with  a  friendly  spirit  to  instruct  and  admonish  the 
rising  generation.  Help  me,  especially,  to  render  the  re- 
ligion of  thy  Son,  my  Lord,  amiable  and  venerable  in  the 
estimation  of  the  young  and  of  all  around  me,  by  setting 
them  an  example  of  cheerful  piety  am!  by  entertaining  an 
holy  confidence  in  thy  providence  and  grace. 

Cod  of  com  passion  !  my  strength  is  now  often  labour  and 
sorrow,  and  I  shall  soon  go  down  to  the  grave.  Forsake 
me  not,  I  beseech  thee:  cast  me  not  off  in  the  time  of  my 
old  age".  I  Jet  rriy  affections  he  fixed  upon  the  things  v<  hich 
are  above;  let  the  prospect  of  heaven  support  me  in  every 
hour  of  suffering;  ami,  when  my  heart  and  my  fl»  sh  fail, 
be  thou  the  strength  of  rny  heart  and  my  portion  for  ever. 
Amen. 


5. 
A  PRAYER  FOR  A  CHILI). 
^\  LORD!  thou  art  m\  Father  and  my  God:  early  will 
^J  I  seek,  praise,  and  love  thee.  1  bless  thee  for  all  thy 
goodness  to  me,  and  in  particular  for  those  tender  ties 
which  hind  me  to  my  parents.  I  thank  tine  for  all  their 
«:»ro  and  kindness;  and  rejoice  to  behold,  in  their  unaba- 
ting  solicitude  for  my  welfare, the  image  of  thy  love.  J'n- 
,bje  me,  I  beseech  thee,  to  render  unto  them  due  honour 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIBUALS.  87 

a.ntl  obedience,  affection  and  gratitude.  Assist  me  to  sub- 
mit with  pleasure  to  their  friendly  guidance,  to  be  patient 
under  reproof,  to  abhor  falsehood,  to  discharge  all  ruy  ob- 
ligations with  a  dutiful  heart,  and  never  to  cause  them 
tears  and  grief  by  any  pervei  seness.  13e  pleased,  (J  God, 
to  prolong  their  health  and  life,  to  uphold  them  by  thy  gra- 
cious providence,  to  make  them  happy  in  me  and  in  ail 
who  belong  to  their  family.  Let  thy  goodness  follow  them 
continually  here,  and  reward  them  with  eternal  happiness 
beyond  the  grave. 

Blessed  guide  of  my  youth  !  to  thee  I  am  indebted  for 
all  the  favours  which  1  enjoy.  Assist  me  to  become  thy 
child,  to  follow  after  thy  friendship  as  the  greatest  of  all 
blessings,  and  to  dread  displeasing  thee  as  the  greatest  of 
all  calamities.  Help  me,  as  I  grow  in  stature,  to  grow  in 
wisdom  and  goodness,  in  favour  with  thee  and  with  my  fel- 
low-men, like  thy  beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ.  I  desire  to 
understand  and  to  rejoice  in  his  gospel,  to  be  his  disciple 
and  to  walk  as  he  walked ;  and  I  pray,  that,  after  this  short 
life  on  earth,  1  may  be  exalted  with  him  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 


6. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  HUSBAND  OR  WIFE. 

MOST  merciful  and  gracious  God !  I  look  up  unto  thee 
who  rulest  over  heaven  and  earth,  and  desire  to  a- 
dore  thee  as  my  Guardian  aud  Guide.  It  is  thou  who  set- 
test  the  solitary  in  families  ;  domestic  life  is  thine  institu- 
tion ;  aud  thou  hast  pronounced  marriage  to  be  honoura- 
ble in  all.  Called  to  this  state  by  thy  providence,  I  be- 
seech' thee  to  make  me  sensible  of  its  duties,  and  to  dis- 
pose me  to  fulfil  them  with  a  perfect  heart  and  a  willing 
mind.  Let  me  ever  act  upon  the  conviction,  that  the  cov- 
enant, into  which  I  have  entered  with  the  chosen  compan- 
ion of  my  life,  has  been  made  in  thy  sacred  presence,  and 
that  my  vows  of  fidelity  and  affection  have  been  witnessed 
by  thee  the  righteous  Judge.  Enable  me  to  live  as  a  Chris- 
tian in  tliis  relation,  and  to  put  away  from  me  whatever 
would  interrupt  the  pleasure  and  improvement  which  it  is 
adapted  to  yield.  Give  me  grace  to  correct  what  is  wrong 
in  my  dispositions,  to  govern  my  passions,  to  be  a  severe 


88  PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

censor  of  myself,  but  never  to  exact  or  expect  too  much 
from  the  friend  and  partner  of  my  days.  Assist  me  to  be- 
come a  blessing  to  hhn,  ( her  )  a  sharer  of  Aw  joys,  a  con- 
soler of  hia  sorrows,  and  a  helper  to  /urn  in  ail  the  chan- 
ges of  the  world.  Grant  that  we  may  live  together  in  love 
and  peace,  exercising  forbearance  with  each  other's  in- 
firmities, serving  and  rejoicing  in  thee,  and  carrying  our 
regard  for  each  other  beyond  this  fleeting  and  perishable 
world.  Grant,  that  in  our  dwelling,  as  in  the  tabernacle 
of  the  righteous,  the  voice  of  salvation  may  be  heard  :  that 
we  may  keep  a  strict  watch  over  ourselves  snd  all  who  de- 
pend upon  us;  that  we  may  suffer  no  vice  to  go  unreprov- 
ed  or  to  remain  jn  our  house  persisted  in  and  unamended; 
and  that  all  of  \s  may  cultivate  a  cheerful  and  obliging 
temper,  and  discharge  our  respective  duties  in  quietness 
and  contentment  "By  living  together  in  virtue  and  holiness 
here,  may  we  be  fitted  for  perfect  felicity  in  heaven  ;  and 
be  united  together,  at  last,  in  indissoluble  friendship, 
through  Jesus  Christ  thy  Son,  our  Saviour  and  Lord. 
Amen. 


7. 

PRAYER  FOR  A  PARENT. 
A  LM1GHTY  God,  Creator  of  men  !  from  thee  cometh 
■"-  every  good  and  perfect  gift.  Thou  hast  given  me 
children,  and  inspired  my  heart  with  ardent  affection  for 
them.  Thou  hast  committed  them  to  my  pare,  and  com- 
manded me  to  educate  them  as  Christians,  as  intelligent 
and  immortal  beings.  (>  make  me  fully  sensible,]  entreat 
thee,  of  the  solemnity  and  importance  of  this  charge;  and 
give  me  th  ,  e,  that!  may  train  up  nn  off- 

spring in  the  way  in  which  they  ought  to  go.  Enable  me 
to  entertain  abiding  convictions  of  the  value  of  good  in- 
atruction  and  the  necessity  of  early  religious  impressions. 
Enlighten  and  direct  me  in  the  choice  ot  proper  means  for 
cultivating  pious  and  virtuous  principles  in  their  tender 
minds.     Slake-  me  constant  and  faithful  in  sowing  in  tlif  ir 

hearts  the  incorruptible  seed  of  divine  truth,  thai  they  may 

love  re  ligion  early,  and  partake  of  thy  divine  nature.     In- 
<  licitude  to  Bet  before  them  the  pattern  ot  a  ho- 

/v  and  good  life  ;  and  never  sutler  me  to  forget,  that  what 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  89 

I  say  and  do  cannot  fail  to  influence  the  formation  of  their 
temper  and  character.     Preserve  me  from  the  extremes 

of  impatience  and  undue  severity,  and  of  excessive  indul- 
gence and  misguided  fondness.  Direct  me  to  the  most  ra- 
tional and  salutary  expressions  of  my  love  to  them  ;  and 
help  me  to  adapt  my  conduct  to  their  several  dispositions. 
And  while  I  study  to  bring  them  forward  on  the  stage  of 
action  with  those  advantages  which  are  suitable  to  their 
condition,  let  me  always  remember,  that  the  care  of  the 
soul  is  the  one  thing  needful,  and  let  it  he  my  highest  eon- 
tern  to  prepare  them  for  eternity  and  heaven. 

Gracious  God  !  save  me,  1  pray  thee,  from  the  most 
grievous  calamity  which  a  parent  can  feel,  that  of  behold- 
ing children  vicious  and  miserable.  Protect  and  bless 
those,  for  whom  my  heart  beats  with  the  tenderest  anxie- 
ty ;  and  let  them  never  be  led  astray  by  wicked  customs 
and  examples.  Whatever  thou  mayest  deny  me,  O  grant 
that  I  may  see  them  walking  in  the  truth,  adorned  with  in- 
nocence, virtue  and  piety.  Vouchsafe  to  forgive  any  er- 
rors in  my  conduct  towards  them,  and  to  supply  all  my 
deficiencies.  When  I  shall  be  removed  hence  let  me  die 
with  the  consciousness  that  I  have  not  wilfully  neglected 
my  duty  to  them;  And  in  the  great  day  of  the  resurrec- 
tion and  judgment,  grant  that  we  may  be  found  together 
before  thy  throne,  and  that  1  n»ay  be  enabled  to  say :  Here 
am  I,  O  God,  and  the  children  which  thou  hast  given  me.—- 
1  ask  for  these  mercies  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  my 
Lord  and  Master.     Amen. 


8. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  PERSOX  IX  PROSPERITY. 
"DOUXTIFUL  Benefactor!  all  that  man  possesses  or 
-*-*  enjoys  proceeds  from  thy  munificence.  To  thy  sov- 
ereign goodness  I  am  indebted  for  all  the  advantages  of  ray 
condttion.  Thou  hast  furnished  me  with  many  temporal 
blessings,  and  with  the  means  of  increasing  my  own  happi- 
ness and  the  happiness  of  oth  rve  thy  servant,  I 
■eh  thee, from  being  high-minded  and  trusting  in  un- 
certain riches.  Preserve  me  from  the  inordinate  love  of 
the  good  things  which  thou  hast  bestowed  upon  me,  from 
unlawful  or  intemperate  pleasure,from  all  contempt 


90  PRAYERS  FOR  INDIYIDL ALS. 

of  my  fellow-men.  Preserve  me  from  the  blindness  ami 
infatuation  of  such  as  take  this  world  for  their  portion  ;  and 
let  me  not  be  numbered  among  those  fools,  whose  table  is 
a  snare  to  them  and  whose  prosperity  destroys  them.  Fill 
my  heart  with  love  and  gratitude  to  thee,  my  Father,  w  hose 
providence  has  raised  me  to  my  present  state;  and  give 
me  a  deep  and  lively  sense  of  the  account  whicK  1  must 
render  at  thy  bar.  Teach  me  to  honour  thee  with  my  sub- 
stance ;  to  employ  it  in  a  rational  arid  useful  manner;  and 
as  a  good  steward,  to  minister  thy  gifts  to  others.  Direct 
me  in  the  most  effectual  way  to  relieve  the  poor,  the  sick, 
and  the  wretched  ;  to  vindicate  the  cause  of  innocence  ;  ami 
to  advance  the  interests  of  truth,  virtue,  religion,  and  pub- 
lie  order.  In  my  communications  to  the  necessities  of  my 
fellow-men,  preserve  me  from  the  weakness  and  guilt  of 
pride  and  ostentation;  and  let  me  always  remember,  that 
thou  lovest  a  cheerful  giver.  If  it  shall  please  thee,  O 
Lord,  either  to  increase  or  take  aw  a\  any  of  thy  gifts,  let 
rtbe  my  chief  joy  to  serve  thee,  ami  my  constant  prayer, 
that  thou  wilt  lift  up  the  light  of  thy  countenance  upon  me. 
If  in  thy  providence  I  am  to  be  deprived  of  any  temporal 
advantages,  prepare  me  to  meet  the  change  with  resigna- 
tion. May  I  receive  every  allotment,  whether  prosperous 
or  adverse,  with  Christian  composure  and  fortitude;  and, 
when  thou  shalt  call  me  from  this  slate  of  change  and  trial, 
may  I  be  permitted  to  participate  in  that  inheritance  which 
is  promised  to  thy  saints. 

My  soul  relies  entirely  upon  thy  mercy  in  Jesus  Christ, 
who  became  poor  that  we  might  be  made  rich.  Through 
him  be  glory  unto  thee  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

9. 

A  PRAYER  for  a  person  suffering  poverty  or 
great  losses. 

Cy  RE  AT  and  adorable  God  !  thou  rulest  over  the  armies 
^  of  heaven,  and  thou  distributed  thy  blessings  among 
men,  as  it  seemeth  good  in  thy  sight.  Thou  makest  poor, 
and  makest  rich  ;  thou  bringest  low,  and  liftest  up.  Thou 
hast  seen  fit  in  thine  infinite  wisdom,  to  visit  me  with  ad- 
versity and  to  exercise  me  in  a  humble  state.  Hut  thy 
good  providence  has  preserved  mc  hitherto,  has  saNed  mi 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  91 

from  overwhelming  want,  has  given  me  many  of  the 
blessings  of  this  life,  and  has  set  before  me  the  sweet  hope 
of  a  better  world.  I  would  be  grateful  for  what  I  enjoy  ; 
and  I  desire  to  acquiesce  in  thy  dispensations,  and  not  to 
indulge  discontent  on  account  of  those  things  which  thou 
withh oldest  or  takest  away. 

Direct  me,  I  beseech  thee,  in  the  use  of  honest  means  to 
repair  my  losses  and  to  obtain  a  more  comfortable  subsist- 
ence t  but,  whether  I  obtain  it  or  not,  thy  will  be  done. 
Thou  alone  know  est,  if  greater  plenty  w  ould  prove  a  bless- 
ing, or  a  snare  to  me  and  mine.  Make  me  perfect  in  my 
submission,  O  Lord;  cleanse  my  heart  from  sinful  affec- 
tions; and  grant  that  I  may  be  rich  in  faith  and  an  heir  of 
thy  promises.  Reward,  \  pray  thee,  those  benefactors, 
who  have  been  instruments  in  thy  hand  for  doing  me  good. 
In  every  trouble  let  me  experience,  that  thou  art  nigh  un- 
to them  that  put  their  trust  in  thee.  Whilst  I  continue  in 
straitened  circumstances,  preserve  me  from  unlawful  meth- 
ods of  supplying  my  necessities,  from  taking  thy  name  in 
vain,  and  from  asking  with  anxious  distrustful  thoughts, 
what  shall  I  eat,  or  what  shall  1  drink,  or  wherewith  shall 
I  be  clothed.  Slay  I  never  feel  envy  at  the  sight  of  the 
great ;  and  rather  choose  to  endure  every  bodily  hardship, 
than  to  suffer  the  evil  of  spiritual  poverty.  May  the  ex- 
ample of  Jesus,  who  was  despised  of  men,  who  suffered 
hunger  and  thirst,  and  who  had  not  where  to  lay  his  head, 
reconcile  me  to  my  condition.  May  it  be  enough  for  me, 
that  I  can  please  thee  and  hold  fast  my  integrity.  What- 
ever be  my  lot  here,  may  I  be  enabled  to  lay  up  treasures 
in  heaven,  and  finally  be  received  into  il.  through  the  me- 
diation of  that  Saviour,  who  vu  made  perfect  through 
sufferings  and  is  now  set  down  at  thy  right  hand.     Amen. 

10. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  WIDOW. 

ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting  God,  I  fly  to  thee  for  that 
consolation  vhich  I  need,  and  humble  myself  under 
thy  mighty  hand.  Thou  givest,  and  ihou  tnkest  awa\  ;  and 
"w  ithout  thy  permission  not  a  hair  of  our  heads  can  fall  t„ 
the  ground.  Thou  hast  been  pleased  to  remove  from  me 
the  husband  of  mv  affectinnote-cho^.  rov  support  ar.d  com- 


£2  PRAYERS  FOR.  INDIVIDUALS, 

fort  under  the  labours  and  anxieties  of  this  mortal  lilt1. 
G'k\  of  compassion,  leave  me  not  a  victim  to  sorrow;  and, 
though  thou  hast  not  forbidden  me  to  mourn,  let  me  not 
mourn  like  those  who  are  without  Christian  hope.  1  desire 
to  cast  all  my  cares  upon  thy  good  Providence;  assured, 
that  I  can  never  be  destitute,  whilst  thou  art  my  helper, 
or  miserable,  whilst  I  have  thee  for  my  portion.  What- 
ever outward  blessings  thou  mayest  be  pleased  to  deny  me, 
may  I  never  be  deprived  of  the  comfort  of  thy  love. 
Vouchsafe,  I  pray  thee,  to  raise  up  friends  to  assist  me  id 
my  exigencies,  and  to  counsel  me  to  manage  my  affairs 
with  discretion.  Taught  by  painful  experience,  let  me  nev- 
er forget  what  instability  attends  all  earthly  enjoyments. 
Give  me  grace  to  behave  with  propriety  and  suitably  to 
my  condition;  that  I  may  be  enabled  at  all  times  to  look 
-with  comfort  to  thee  as  my  friend,  my  father,  my  life,  my 
deliverer.  (To  thy  tender  mercy  1  commend  the  beloved 
children  whom  thou  hast  given  me.)  To  thy  direction  I 
would  entirely  submit;  into  thy  hands  I  resign  all  my  in- 
terests in  time  and  eternity;  and  my  soul  would  triumph 
in  the  exalted  and  assured  hope  of  being  eternally  happy 
with  all  the  objects  of  my  affection,  through  thy  gmce  in 
Jesus  Christ  my  Lord  and  Saviour.    Amen. 


11. 
A  PRAYER  FOR  A  SERVANT. 

OGOI),  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker  of  heaven  and 
earth  !  it  is  the  ordination  of  thy  good  Providence, 
that  there  should  be  various  stations  and  conditions  in  the 
world.  It  is  thou,  who  appointest  unto  each  the  circum- 
stances in  which  he  is  placed;  and  I  rejoice,  that  with  thee 
there  is  no  respect  of  persons,  and  that,  whether  men  be 
high  or  low  in  societv,  all  are  thy  children,  all  are  furnish* 
ed  with  the  means  ot  pleasing  thee  and  becoming  happy. 
I  would  cheerfully  submit  to  thy  unerring  direction  ;  and 
desire,  with  a  contented  and  thankful  heart,  to  accept  of 
the  portion  which  thou  givest  me.  Establish  me,  1  beseech 
thee,  in  the  persuasion,  that  my  present  situation  is  good 
for  me;  and  give  me  grace  to  reflect,  that  every  state  of 
life  has  its  peculiar  advantages  and  trials.  Help  me  to 
cherish  a  meek  and  humble  temper,  and  to  imitate  my 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  * 

Messed  Master,  w  ho  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant 
and  condescended  to  the  meanest  offices,  that  he  might  set 
his  disciples  an  example.  Help  me  to  discharge  the  obli- 
gations incumbent  upon  me,  with  faithfulness  and  zeal, 
from  a  principle  of  obedience  to  thee  my  Judge,  knowing 
that  thou  seest  my  inmost  thoughts,  and  that  whatsoever 
good  thing  any  one  doeth  the  same  shall  he  receive  at  thy 
hands.  Assist  me  to  adorn  my  Christian  vocation  by  a 
careful,  diligent,  respectful,  and  peaceable  beluuiour,  by 
the  strictest  sobriety  and  honesty,  and  by  a  solicitude  not 
to  waste  the  goods  of  those  with  whom  I  live,  nor  to  mis- 
pend  that  time  which  I  am  bound  to  devote  to  their  ser- 
vice. Make  me  duly  grateful  for  every  benefit  which  I  re- 
ceive ;  and  let  me  patiently  suffer  the  inconveniences  which 
attend  my  lot.  It  it  should  please  thee,  O  thou  supreme 
Disposer  of  events,  to  make  my  outward  condition  more 
prosperous;  let  me  improve  it  well.  But,  whatever  thou 
shalt  order,  let  me  be  solicitous,  above  all  things,  to  ob- 
tain the  forgiveness  of  my  sins  and  to  seek  thy  kingdom 
above ;  that  I  may  be  exalted  to  it  after  death,  through  thy 
great  mercy  in  Jesus  Christ  my  Redeemer.    Amen. 

12 
A  PRAYER  BEFORE  A  JOURNEY. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  I  raise  my  heart  to  thee  as  the  Fa- 
ther and  Preserver  of  men,  and  rejoice,  that  I  cannot 
go  where  thou  art  not  present  as  the  Ruler  of  nature,  as 
the  Guardian  of  the  righteous,  as  the  Hearer  of  prayer. 
TMne  eye  is  continually  upon  me,  and  thy  good  Spirit  con- 
ducts thy  children  through  every  stage  of  their pilgrimage. 
I  commend  myself,  O  Lord,  to  the  care  of  thy  Providence, 
in  the  journey  upon  which  I  am  entering;  humbly  beseech- 
ing thee  to  defend  me  from  evil,  to  preserve  me  from  all 
temptations  to  sin,  and  to  prosper  me  in  my  lawful  designs. 
To  thy  holy  keeping  1  commit  (my  family  and)  my  friends ; 
and  I  pray,  that,  if  it  be  thy  will,  they  ma\  be  blessed  iu 
body  and  in  soul,  that  1  may  return  to  them  in  due  sea- 
son in  safety,  that  I  may  have  a  fresh  occasion  to  praise 
thy  name,  and  that  we  may  long  live  together,  to  enjoy 
the  pleasures  of  domestic  life,  and  to  manifest  our  thank- 
fulness iur  all  thy  mercies.     Hettr  my  petitions,  O  thou 


9+  PLAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

God  of  compassion;  and  let  me  rejoice  in  thy  grace  ami 
favour  through  Jesus  Christ  for  ever  and  ever.    Amcu. 

18. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  PERSON  GOING  TO  SEA. 

O  Eternal  and  most  merciful  Jehovah,  the  Refuge  and 
Protector  of  the  sons  of  men  :  1  lift  up  mine  eyes  un- 
to thee, from  whom  alone  cometh  my  help.  Thou  art  the 
God  of  the  sea, as  well  as  of  the  dry  land.  Thou  spreadest 
out  the  heavens,  and  rulest  the  raging  of  the  ocean.  At 
thy  command,  winds  and  storms  arise  ;  and,  at  thy  word, 
the  waves  are  still.  Support  and  preserve  me,  Almighty 
Father,  I  beseech  thee,  when  embarked  on  the  great  deep. 
Guard  me  from  its  dangers,  from  sickness,  from  the  vio- 
lence of  enemies,  and  from  every  evil  to  which  I  may  be 
exposed.  Save  me,  above  all,  from  that  greatest  of  evils, 
the  commission  of  sin  and  the  forfeiture  o?  thy  friendship. 
Let  me  not  utter  thy  name,  but  with  the  greatest  reverence  $ 
nor  forget,  that  to  thee  I  owe  my  security,  and  that  thou 
boldest  my  soul  in  life.  May  1  see  thy  works  and  wonders 
in  all  the  objects  I  behold;  and  fortify  my  heart,  in  seasons 
of  peril,  not  by  blind  courage  or  brutal  insensibility,  but  by 
living  a  godly,  righteous,  and  sober  life,  and  by  placing  un- 
bounded confidence  in  thy  wisdom  and  goodness.  May  it 
please  thee  to  give  success  to  my  undertaking,  to  conduct 
me  in  safety  to  the  haven  where  I  would  be,  and  to  bring 
me  back  with  a  grateful  sense  of  thy  mercies,  and  with  m 
invincible  determination  to  spend  all  my  days  to  thy  glon 
through  Jesus  Christ  my  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen. 


14. 

THANKSGIVING  /or  a  safe  return  from  travelling 
by  hind  or  by  -water. 

OMOST  gracious  and  all-powerful  God,  whose  mercy 
is  over  all  thy  works,  and  who  alone  makest  men  to 
dwell  in  safety:  I  praise  thy  holy  name,  that  thou  hast 
been  pleased  to  preserve  me  and  to  bring  me  back  to  my 
habitation  in  peace.  Thou  hast  defended  me  by  thy  nrov* 
idenoe  from  perils  and  death.      I  rejoice  in  thy  goodn1-^ 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  95 

and  give  thanks  unto  thee  with  my  whole  heart.  O  help 
me  to  manifest  my  thankfulness,  by  employing  the  life, 
Avhich  thou  hast  preserved,  in  a  diligent  obedience  to  thy 
commandments ;  and  enable  me  at  all  times  to  cherish 
and  exercise  a  filial  trust  in  that  paternal  love,  of  which  I 
hare  had  continual  experience.  Pardon  of  thine  infinite 
goodness  whatever  has  been  wrong  in  my  conduct.  Let 
me  not  forget,  that  I  am  but  a  sojourner  here,  and  that  I 
have  no  abiding  place  on  earth.  Let  me  ardently  desire 
that  better  and  heavenly  country,  for  which  all  my  present 
changes  are  intended  to  prepare  me.  And  wherever  I  am, 
or  whatever  I  may  do,  whilst  I  continue  in  this  world,  let 
me  become  more  and  more  qualified  for  the  blessedness 
of  that  eity  which  hath  foundations,  through  the  riches  of 
thy  gi-ace  in  Jesus  Christ  my  Saviour.    Amen. 

15. 

A  PRAYER  far  apei*so?i  engaging  in  any  importaut 
business 

GREAT  and  merciful  God,  I  look  up  uuto  thee,  who 
teaches  man  knowledge, and  givest  both  the  skill  and 
the  power  to  accomplish  useful  purposes.  Thou  art  my 
Guide,  and  my  Help;  and  without  thee  I  can  do  nothing. 
Prosperity  and  adversity  are  dispensed  by  thee  ;  and  thou 
alone  seest  what  is  good  for  thy  creatures.  With  submis- 
sion to  thy  will,  I  implore  thy  blessing  upon  the  work 
m  hich  is  before  me.  Give  me  discretion  and  understanding 
to  direct  me.  Preserve  me  from  presumption,  imprudence, 
indolence,  and  a  confident  expectation  of  success.  Teach 
me  te  use  with  diligence  and  caution  the  means, which  thou 
art  pleased  to  afford  me  for  the  accomplishment  of  this  de- 
sign. Enable  me,  especially,  I  beseech  thee,  to  maintain 
integrity  and  a  good  conscience.  May  I  form  no  plan  and 
engage  in  no  enterprize,  that  may  endanger  the  property, 
the  comfort,  or  the  virtue  of  my  fellow-men  ;  hut  habitu- 
ally dread  and  fly  from  every  thing,  which  may  injure  my 
neighbour.  May  1  always  act  under  the  influence  of  the 
truth,  that  thou  lovest  righteousness  and  hatest  iniquity, 
and  that  thou  wilt  reward  every  man  according  to  his 
deeds.  May  1  never  fall  into  the  temptations  and  snares 
of  those,  whose  only  aim  is  to  be  rich  :  but  follow  after  jus- 
tice, faith,  love,  patience  and  meekness;  and  have  the  wit- 
Ll2 


96  PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

ness  in  my  own  heart,  that  godliness  with  contentment  is 
great  gain.  Should  it  please  thee  to  crown  my  efforts 
with  success,  may  I  he  duly  thankful  to  thee  and  make  a 
worthy  use  of  thy  favours.  Should  disappointment  await 
me,  may  I  submit  with  resignation,  bless  thy  name,  and 
trust  in  thy  providence.  Whatever  be  the.  event,  O  Lord, 
do  thou  keep  me  in  the  path  of  duty,  in  thy  fear  and  thy 
love.  Let  me  perform  all  tilings  according  to  the  direc- 
tions of  that  blessed  Redeemer,  whose  follower  I  desire  to 
be.  And,  final ly  vouchsafe  to  receive  me  into  thy  eveiv 
lasting  kingdom  through  thine  unspeakable  love  in  Jesus 
Christ  thy  Son.    Amen. 


16 

A  PRAYER  for  a  fn.rson  under  guffeiings  occasioned  by 
the  injustice  or  malice  of  other*. 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God  !  I  lift  my  heart 
unto  thee,  the  refuge  of  the  oppressed,  the   Friend 
and  Patron  of  all  thine  upright  servants.    I  bless  thee,  that 
no  malice  of  men  can  rob  me.  of  thy  love,  and  that,  what- 
ever I  inay  suffer,  thou  hast  encouraged  me  to  put  my  trust 
in  thy  name.     Let  it  please  thee,  heavenly  Father,  to  pro- 
tect me  In  thy  power  and  to  guide  me  by  thy  wisdom. 
If  it  appear  good  in  thy  sight,  prosper  my  lawful  endeav- 
ours to  guard  against  injuries,  and  to  secure  that  honest  i 
pu^ttion,  which  is  connected  with  usefulness  in  society 
Should  my  exertions  he  unavailing,  let  me  be  cor. dotted 
by  the  pervasion  that  my  witness  is  in  heaven  and  my  r<  ■ 
sord  on  high.    Help  me  to  inspect  my  heart,  and  to  iv\ 
my  life  with  the  greatest  seriousness,  that  1  may  see  if  then 
be  any  evil  May  in  me  ;  and  do  thou,  the  God  of  mere} 
forgive  all   my  forsaken  sins,  and  enable  me  to  heroin 
limitless  and  acceptable  to  thee.     Pardon,  1  pray  thee,  all 
who  have  done  or  wished  ill  to  me,  and  change  their  tem- 
pers and  conduct.  Give  me  grace  to  follow  i"  all  respect 
that  Saviour,  who,  when  he  was  reviled,  reviled  not  again, 
when  he  suffered,  threatened  not,  hut   committed  himself 
(n  thee  tin-  righteous  Judge,   and    implored  the    salvation 

even  of  liis  murderers.    And,  afiter  faithfully  doing  and 
suffering  thy  will  on  earth,  grant  thai  f  m-w  I  entj  |    ' 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  97 

bin  in  heaven,  praise  thee  tor  all  the  wonderful  ways  of 
thy  providence,  and  triumph  in  thy  grace  for  ever  and 
ever.    Amen. 

17. 

A  PRAYER  for  a  person  exposed  to  considerable 
perils  and  pains. 

O  GOD,  the  refuge  and  strength  of  thy  children  !  behold 
in  mercy  thy  feeble  and  dependent  creature,  who  flies 
to  thee  for  assistance  and  protection.  1  have  had  much  ex- 
perience of  thy  goodness  in  every  stage  and  condition  of 
life,  and  in  every  affliction  thy  mighty  hand  has  sustained 
me.  Let  it  please  thee  to  continue  thy  compassion,  and  to 
uphold  me  in  every  hour  of  danger.  Preserve  me  from 
all  distressing  fears,  and  establish  my  confidence  in  thy 
"wise  and  gracious  government.  When  my  sorrows  are 
enlarged,  make  haste  for  my  deliverance,  and  bring  me 
out  of  all  my  troubles,  if  it  seem  good  to  thee.  In  llie 
midst  of  any  pains  which  I  may  be  appointed  to  endure,  let 
my  patience  be  perfected  and  my  fortitude  be  supported 
by  thy  promises  and  the  example  of  thy  Son.  And  though 
my  heart  and  my  flesh  should  fail,  be  thou,  O  God,  the 
strength  ot"  my  heart ;  and  vouchsafe  to  give  me  the  portion 
of  those,  who  shall  be  raised  to  the  unfading  joy  and  glory 
of  heaven,  through  Jesus  Christ  my  Lord  and  Saviour. 
•\.men. 

18. 
A  PRAYER  FOR  A  SICK  PERSON. 

A  LM1GHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  who  hatest  notli- 
-£*•  ing  that  thou  hast  made  !  I  desire  humbly  to  own  and 
to  reverence  thy  hand  in  my  present  affliction.  May  my 
bodily  suffering  make  my  heart  better,  and  lead  me  more 
justly  |Q  value  health  and  strength,  and  to  employ  them  to 
nobler  purposes  than  I  have  done,  if  this  sickness  shall  not 
be  unto  death. 

With  submission  to  thy  will,  I  pray  for  the  removal  of 
my  disorder  and  for  the  perfect  restoration  of  my  health. 
Endue  me  with  resignation, patience, and  meekness,  unde: 
the  pain  of  disease  and  the  jrksomeness  of  confinement 


98  PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

Above  all  prepare  me  for  death.  Blot  out  my  numerous 
imperfections  and  sins  by  thine  infinite  mercy  in  Christ  Je- 
sus. Purify  my  heart,  and  make  it  the  seat  of  faith,  char- 
ity, and  hope.  Dispose  and  help  me  to  set  my  house  in 
order,  and  to  do  whatever  is  necessary  in  regard  to  my 
great  change.  And,  when  thou  removest  me  hence,  grant 
me  an  entrance  into  that  world,  where  the  inhabitants  shall 
no  more  say,  I  am  sick. 

Into  thy  hands,  heavenly  Father,  I  commit  myself,  de- 
siring, that  no  increase  of  pain  may  produce  repining,  that 
I  may  be  numbered  with  those  who  love  thee,  and  that  I 
may  find  by  experience  all  things  and  this  sickness  especi- 
ally working  my  spiritual  good.  In  every  alteration,  let 
thy  promises  be  precious  to  my  soul,  that  I  may  come  off 
a  conqueror  through  thy  blessed  Son,  and  sing  thy  praises 
for  ever  and  ever.  Amen. 


o 


19. 

ANOTHER  PRAYER  for  a  sick  person. 
Lord  my  God,  who  givest  life  and  breath  and  all 
things  to  thy  creatures,  and  who  hast  not  thought  even 
a  crown  of  everlasting  life  too  much  to  promise  to  thy 
children:  thou  wilt  not  deny  me  what  is  needful  for  my 
body  and  soul,  in  my  passage  thro'  this  world  to  that  ot 
honour  and  immortality.  I  would  raise  my  heart  unto 
thee  wfth  confidence  in  thine  infinite  compassion.  Estab- 
lish, I  beseech  thee,  in  my  soul  the  belief,  that  thou  dost 
not  willingly  grieve  the  children  of  men,  but  intendest 
good  to  me  by  this  thy  fatherly  correction.  Wherein  so- 
ever I  have  neglected  thee  or  committed  any  offence 
against  thy  laws,  make  me  deeply  sensible  of  it  anil  hearti- 
ly sorrowful  for  all  my  transgressions.  .Mercifully  accept 
my  earnest  desires  of  forgiveness,  and  prosper  my  serious 
resolutions  to  live  more  circumspectly  and  righteously  in 
the  time  to  come.  Assist  me,  gracious  Lord,  to  give  a 
proof  of  the  sincerity  of  my  present  praj  ers  and  professions, 
by  patiently  submitting  to  this  distressing  dispensation  of 
thy  providence,  and  by  cheerfully  and  meekly  bearing 
whatever  thou  shalt  inflict.  Fill  my  mind  with  reverence 
of  thy  wisdom  and  authority,  with  a  thankful  remembrance 
of  all  thy  past  mercies,  \v  itb  an  entire  reliance  on  thy  good- 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  p 

ncss,  and  with  a  supreme   solicitude  to  delight  in  doing 
thy  will. 

Thou,  O  God,  art  the  author  of  ever}- remedy,  and 
thy  power  alone  can  check  disease.  I  beseech  thee  to 
bless  the  means  which  are  used  for  the  recovery  of  my 
health  ;  that  I  may  live,  if  it  be  thy  will,  to  perform  my 
duties  with  greater  care.  But,  if  thou  hast  otherwise  ap- 
pointed, accept,  I  pray  thee,  of  thine  unspeakable  good- 
ness, the  sincerity  of  my  repentance,  according  to  the  cov*- 
enant  to  which  thou  hast  called  me  in  Jesus  Christ  thy 
Son.  Help  me  to  finish  the  work  which  thou  hast  given 
me  to  do,  and  without  delay  to  make  every  necessary 
preparation;  that,  when  the  time  of  my  dissolution  draws 
near,  1  may  have  nothing  else  to  do,  but  to  resign  myself 
to  thee.  If  I  have  injured  any,  I  would  be  reconciled  un- 
to them,  and  die  in  peace  with  all  men.  And  when  I  shall 
suffer  the  last  conflicts  of  nature,  grant,  great  God,  that  I 
may  keep  my  mind  steadfastly  fixed  on  that  Saviour, who, 
after  he  had  shed  his  blood  for  the  remission  of  sin,  led 
the  way  thro*  the  grave  unto  heaven.  And  through  him 
be  everlasting  praises  presented  unto  thee  from  all  the 
children  of  Adam.     Amen. 


A  PRAYER  for  the  head  of  a  family,  under  appre- 
hensions of  death,  in  active  life. 

GREAT  and  adorable  God, in  whose  hands  my  time  and 
fate  are  reposed  .'  hear  the  prayers  of  thine  unworthy 
servant,  and  fortify  my  soul  under  the  distresses  which  I 
feeL  In  the  language  of  my  Saviour,  who  suffered  for  me, 
leaving  me  an  example.  1  would  say  :  "Father,  if  it  be  pos- 
i{  Mble.  let  this  cup  pass  from  me  ;  nevertheless,  not  as  1 
"  will,  but  as  thou  wilt.''  Spare  me,  1  beseech  thee,  if  it  be 
agreeable  to  the  purpose-  Of  thine  infinite  wisdom,  that  I 
may  provide  for  my  famiij  and  bring  up  my  children  in 
the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.  Rot,  if  thou 
oallest  me  henee,  be  thou,  O  God.  tin*  husband  of  my  com- 
panion and  the  Father  of  my  offspring.  Lot  thy  kind  prov- 
idence be  theif  stay  and  support  in  this  world,  and  thy 
low  their  inheritance  in  the  world  to  come.  Graciously 
>up]>ly  their  wants;  proteel   (hem  from  injury;  counsel 


100  PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

them  under  every  perplexity  ;  and  let  them  never  hy  dis- 
obedience forfeit  thy  fatherly  care.  If  I  be  no  more  in  the 
world,  holy  Father  !  keep  those  whom  thou  hast  given  me; 
sanctify  them  through  thy  truth  ;  and  grant  us  a  happy 
meeting  in  thy  glorious  presence  above,  through  the  infi- 
nite riches  of  thy  grace  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 


21. 

A  PRAYER  for  a  sincere  Christianyiulien  th&ye appears. 

but  small  hope  of  Ids  recovery. 
/^J_OD  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh,  Source  of  life  and  happi- 
^-*  ness,  gracious  Father  and  Friend  !  thou  hast  brought 
me  to  the  gates  of  death,  and  the  hour  of  my  departure 
draweth  nigh.  Thou  hast  watched  over  me  from  my  en- 
trance into  the  world  ;  thy  tender  mercy  has  followed  me 
all  my  days  ;  and  thou  hast  assured  me  of  an  incorruptible 
inheritance  beyond  the  grave.  Accept  the  thanks  of  thine 
unworthy  servant  for  all  thy  loving  kindness.  Accept  my 
thanks  for  the  gift  of  thy  Son,  for  the  promise  of  forgive- 
ness, for  the  precious  hope  of  immortality.  Thou  hast 
gladdened  and  consoled  me  through  the  whole  of  my  ca- 
reer with  countless  blessings  and  mercies,  although  I  have 
not  merited  the  smallest.  Pardon,  of  thine  infinite  good* 
ness,  my  many  imperfections  and  sins  ;  and  be  pleased  to 
accept  my  feeble,  but  sincere  endeavours  to  serve  thee 
Thou  callest  me  away  ;  and  I  am  ready  to  follow.  I  re- 
joice, that  all  my  conflicts  and  pains  are  drawing  to  a  close. 
I  rejoice,  that  I  shall  soon  be  privileged  to  pay  thee  more 
worthily  that  homage,  which  is  due  to  thee.  I  know,  that 
m  thy  presence  there  is  fulness  of  joy  and  pleasure  for" 
evermore.  Keep  me,  I  beseech  thee,  my  heavenly  father, 
m  humble  dependance  on  thy  rich  and  free  grace  in  my 
blessed  Redeemer.  Help  me  to  suffer  patiently  like  him, 
while  I  am  visited  with  sickness;  and  like  him  to  say  at  last 
with  immoveable  confidence,  "Father,  into  thy  hand  I 
commit  my  spirit."  Comfort  the  objects  of  my  affection, 
when  1  am  removed  from  the  world  ;  provide  for  lliem  b\ 
thj  paternal  love;  preserve  them  WT  thine  ex.rlasting 
kingdom.  There  may  1  find  all  for  whom  1  am  now  par- 
ticularly concerned,  be  united  w  it U  every  one  whom  I  may 
have  thought  my  foe,  and  triumph  in  thy  redemption  with 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  101 

all  the  children  of  Adam.  Living  or  dying,  I  am  thine; 
and  thy  will  be  done.  O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  ?  O 
grav^  where  is  thy  victory  ?  Thanks  be  to  God,  who  giv- 
eth  me  the  victory  through  my  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Amen.. 


A  PRAYER  for  a  person  recovered  from  alarming 
sickness. 

BLESS  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  all  that  is  within  me., 
bless  his  holy  name.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and 
forget  not  all  his  benefits,  who  forgiveth  all  thine  iniqui- 
ties, who  healeth  all  thy  diseases,  who  redeemeth  thy  lite 
from  destruction,  and  crowneth  thee  with  loving-kindness 
and  with  tender  mercies.  I  praise  thee,  Great  God,  that 
although  thou  hast  chastened  me,  thou  hast  not  given  me 
over  unto  death.  I  praise  thee,  that  thy  powerful  arm  has 
arrested  the  progress  of  the  destroyer  and  helped  me  out 
of  all  my  troubles.  1  thank  thee  for  every  comfort  and 
alleviation  of  pain,  with  which  thou  hast  been  pleased  to 
furnish  me,  and  especially  for  the  love  of  my  friends  and 
the  promises  of  thy  gospel.  I  acknowledge  thine  inex- 
pressible goodness  in  restoring  me  from  the  brink  of  the 
^va\ii  and  from  the  anguish  of  suffering,  to  endeared  con- 
nections, to  enlivened  hopes,  to  new  opportunities  and  in- 
creased motives  for  cultivating  Christian  affections,  for 
abounding  in  good  works,  and  for  laying  up  treasures  in 
heaven. 

0  God,  let  not  these  opportunities  be  neglected  by  me, 
but  be  wisely  improved  to  thy  glory. 

1  have  experienced  thy  power  and  compassion.  May  I 
ever  live  in  the  exercise  of  a  grateful  confidence  in  both, 
and  be  duly  sensible  of  my  total  dependance  upon  thy 
providence  and  government. 

I  have  been  brought  to  feel  the  realities  of  the  world  to 
come,  the  worth  of  thy  favour,  the  value  of  a  conscience 
void  of  offence.  Almighty  God  !  let  the  convictions  which 
I  have  had  of  them  never  be  extinguished  in  my  breast. 
Enable  me  at  all  times  to  entertain  that  humble  contrition 
for  my  sins  and  that  penitential  sense  of  my  need  of  tby 
mercy,  which  the  nearness  of  death  was  instrumental  ii« 
producing.     Help   me  to  appreciate,  us  I  ought,  eternal 


102  PRAYER  S  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

things,  and  to  do  all  that  thou  requirest,  in  order  that 
I  may  secure  thine  approbation  and  friendship. 

Thou  hast  enabled  me  to  realize  the  vanity  and  uncer- 
tainty of  the  world.  Preserve  me  from  attaching  too  much 
importance  to  its  pleasures,  honours,  and  possessions ;  and 
assist  me  constantly  to  remember,  how  rapidly  it  is  pass- 
ing away. 

Thou  hast  taught  me,  by  sickness,  the  worth  of  friend- 
ship ;  and  the  offices  of  kindness,  which  have  been  perform- 
ed for  me,  have,  with  thy  blessing,  cheered,  supported,  and 
kept  me  alive.  My  God,  let  me  never  be  insensible  of  the 
love  of  those,  whose  hearts  thou  hast  warmed  with  good- 
w  ill  towards  me.  Make  me  ready  to  return  their  benevo- 
lence on  every  occasion.  Let  me  be  softened  with  humani- 
ty towards  all  that  suffer;  and  let  me  never  behold  a  sick- 
bed without  sympathy  and  charity. 

It  was  thy  gospel,  6  thou  God  of  all  consolation  in  Christ 
Jesus,  from  which  my  hope  was  derived,  when  the 
shadows  of  death  appeared  to  encompass  me.  The  assur- 
ances which  it  contains  of  thy  forbearance  and  mercy,  and 
of  eternal  life  through  thy  Son,  were  the  only  support  of 
my  spirit.  O  give  me  grace  to  cling  with  faster  hold  than 
ever  to  this  rock  of  salvation,  to  abide  in  the  love  of  Jesus, 
to  follow  him  undismayed,  and  constantly  to  hope  through 
him  for  redempt'on  and  celestial  happiness. 

Preserver  of  mv  being  !  thou  hast  now  shown  me,  how 
frail  I  am,  hast  given  me  a  striking  proof  of  the  preot- 
riousness  of  life  ;  and  I  know,  that,  ere  long,  1  shall  hid 
farewell  to  all  whom  I  now  behold.  May  I  be  better  pie- 
pared,  than  I  have  been,  for  my  departure  hence.  May  1 
walk  by  faith,  and  not  by  sight.  May  I  be  concerned  to  be 
always  ready,  and  to  be  found  in  that  frame  of  mind  which 
will  enable  me  to  welcome  death  as  the  messenger  of  peace. 

Hear  my  prayers,  I  beseech  thee ;  forgive  my  sins,  and 
make  me  thine,  for  evermore,  through  Jesus  Cluist. 
Amen. 

A  PRAYER  for  an  atoakencd  sinner., 

OTHOC  righteous  and  holy  Being,  from  whom  no  se- 
crets can  be  hid  !  1  am  ashamed,  and  blush  to  lift  up 
my  face  to  thee.     Mine  iniquities  are  increased  over  ro> 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  MM 

head,  and  my  trespass  is  grown  up  unto  the  heavens  !  I 
have  slighted  thine  authority,  forgotten  the  one  thing  need- 
ful, rebelled  against  thee,  my  Sovereign  and  my  Father, 

and  violated  laws  which  are  perfectly  holy,  just, and  good. 
Unthankful  for  thy  mercies,  and  despising  thine  instruc- 
tions, 1  have  cast  off  thy  fear,  pursued  the  pleasures  of  sin, 
and  nearly  destroyed  myself.  My  example  hah  corrup- 
ted and  emboldened  others  in  vice.  I  tremble,  while  I 
think  of  the  injury  which  I  may  have  done  to  my  compan- 
ions. I  tremble,  while  I  reflect  upon  the  vile  return  which 
I  hove  made* to  thee  the  best  of  beings,  and  upon  the  gulf 
of  ruin  towards  which  I  have  been  approaching.  Hadst 
thou  entered  into  judgment  with  me,  and  rewarded  me  ac- 
cording to  my  deserts,  how  awful  would  have  been  my 
condition  !  Wretched  man  that  I  am,  who  shall  deliver 
me  and  break  the  power  of  my  evil  habits  ?  God  of  com- 
passion, be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner.  Unworthy  as  I  am, 
cast  roe  not  away  from  thy  presence;  deny  me  not  the 
grace  w  hich  thou  hast  encouraged  me  to  implore ;  help, 
Lord,  or  1  perish :  save  my  sinking  soul,  and  give  me  re- 
pentance unto  life.  Impute  not  unto  me,  I  beseech  thee, 
toy  transgressions ;  accept  my  humiliation  and  remorse ;  and 
grant  me  to  say  from  experience,  with  thee  there  is  plen- 
teous forgiveness  and  redemption.  Create  in  me  a  clean 
heart,  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  me.  Let  not  evil  be 
present  with  me,  when  I  would  do  good.  Let  me  no  lon- 
ger run  into  the  danger  which  I  see.  Let  not  unbelief  and 
ion  and  temptation  prevail  against  the  convictions. 
which  thou  hast  given  me,  of  the  malignity  and  danger  of 
sin,  of  the  vanity  of  the  world,  of  the  worth  of  the  soul, 
and  of  the  awfulness  of  eternity.  Preserve  me  from  being 
fatally  hardened  and  blinded.  And  though  I  have  dishon- 
oured thee  and  depraved  myself;  Almighty  God,  let  thy 
Spirit  operate  upon  my  mind,  and  raise  me  up  from  the 
death  of  sin  unto  a  life  of  righteousness. 

Lord  of  life  !  cut  me  not  off  from  the  land  of  the  living, 
until  1  am  tit  for  death  and  judgment.  Spare  me  to  bring 
forth  fruits  meet  for  repentance.  Give  me  grace  to  become 
such  as  I  ought  to  be,  to  counteract  the  evil  effects  of  the 
criminal  course  I  have  pursued,  to  make  restitution  tc 
those  lhave  injured,  and  to  teach  transgressors  thy  ways. 
Inspire  me  with  a  dread  of  relapsing  into  those  iniquities 
M  M 


104  PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

which  have  hidden  from  me  the  light  of  thy  countenance. 
Whatever  else  may  happen,  whatever  my  vices  and  crimes 
may  produce  to  me,  let  not  the  religious  impressions  ot" 
this  moment  he  ever  forgotten. 

0  Lord,  I  am  guilty  and  deserving  of  thy  wrath  :  hut 
thou  hast  revealed  to  me,  that  thou  wilt  not  despise  the 
sacrifices  of  a  broken  spirit.  My  whole  reliance  is  on  ihy 
mercy  in  Jesus  Christ,  whom  thou  hast  set  forth  to  be  a 
propitiation  through  faith  in  his  blood,  and  who  is  able  to 
save  to  the  uttermost  all  that  come  unto  thee  through  him. 
In  the  name  of  this  Mediator  I  offer  up  my  prayers;  and 
I  desire  to  glory  in  his  cross  and  to  be  accepted  through 
him  now  anil  evermore.  Amen. 

24. 

ANOTHER  PRAYER  for  an  awakened  sinner. 

OTHOU  infinitely  great  and  glorious  Jehovah  !  I  would 
raise  my  heart  to  thee  as  the  all-wise  and  righteous 
Governor  ot  heaven  and  earth.  From  the  liabitation  of 
thv  holiness,  thou  beholdest  all  the  children  of  men. 
Tnou  lovest  righteousness,  and  hatest  iniquity,  whereso- 
ever thou  seest  it;  neither  can  evil  dwell  with  thee. 

1  am  convinced,  great  God,  that  thou  hast  an  absolute 
right  to  my  homage  and  allegiance.  Thou  art  my  Maker 
and  my  Sovereign  ;  thy  laws  are  just  and  good  in  them- 
selves, and  adapted  to  answer  the  most  beneficial  pur- 
poses. Thou  hast  written  thy  will  in  the  book  of  nature 
and  the  volume  of  revelation,  and  enforced  it  with  the 
most  solemn  and  awful  sanctions.  Thou  hast  set  life  and 
death,  heaven  and  hell  before  me  ;  my  body  and  my  soul, 
with  all  their  faculties  and  interests,  are  every  moment  in 
thy  hand.  And  yet,  in  how  many  instances  have  I  revolt- 
ed from  thee,  and  disregarded  thy  salutary  counsels  and 
commands  !  how  far  lias  my  heart  been  from  thy  service 
and  thine  ordinances  !  what  corrupt  desires  and  passions 
have  I  harboured  !  what  an  excessive  fondness  for  the 
world  have  1  discovered  !  how  foolishly  have  I  preferred 
temporal  gratifications  and  pursuits  to  eternal  joys  !  how 
greatly  must  my  behaviour  and  example  have  injured  my 
fellow-creatures  !  and  what  distress,  disorder, and  remorse, 
have  1  prepared  by  rny  Titos  for  my  own  soul  ! — And,  O 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  105 

tliou  most  compassionate  Father  and  Friend  of  the  human 
race,  how  much  more  aggravated  are  my  offences,  when 
considered  as  committed  against  the  experience  I  have 
had  of  thy  loving-kindness,  against  the  endearing  ties  ot 
gratitude,  as  well  as  against  the  obligations  of  duty  and  in- 
terest! Thou  hast  nourished  and  brought  me  up  as  thy 
cliild ;  and  yet  I  have  rebelled  against  thee.  Thou  hast 
been  my  Guardian,  my  Guide,  my  unwearied  Benefactor ; 
to  thee  I  am  indebted  for  all  my  worldly  comforts  ;  to  thy 
rich  and  free  grace  I  owe  the  discoveries  and  invitations 
of  the  gospel,  the  offers  of  pardon,  and  the  hope  of  eternal 
felicity  through  the  mediation  of  Christ  Jesus  thy  Son. 
And  yet,  how  have  I  abused  thy  goodness,  misapplied  my 
advantages,  despised  thy  grace,  and  rejected  the  offers  of 
life  and  salvation ! 

Blessed  God,  I  confess  my  guilt;  lam  sensible,  that  thy 
favour  is  life ;  I  feel  that  I  must  perish,  if  I  remain  far 
from  thee.  Have  mercy  upon  me,  miserable  offender ;  and 
teach  me  so  to  think  on  my  ways,  as  to  make  haste  and 
not  delay  to  keep  thy  commandments.  I  adore  thy  for- 
bearance in  lengthening  out  the  space  given  me  for  re- 
pentance, though  I  have  so  long  neglected  this  great  and 
necessary  work ;  and  I  pray,  that  I  may  no  longer  draw- 
back from  the  yoke  of  duty.  Give  me,  O  Lord,  abiding 
views  of  the  shortness  and  uncertainty  of  life,  of  the  grow- 
ing  power  of  evil  habits,  and  of  the  vanity  of  expecting 
greater  assistances  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  if  I  resist  those 
which  thou  hast  already  afforded  me.  Enable  me  care- 
fully to  cherish  every  serious  impression  that  may  be  made 
on  my  mind,  and  diligently  to  improve  all  the  helps  with 
which  1  am  favoured.  Dispose  me  to  seek  thee  whilst  thou 
may  est  he  found,  and  to  call  upon  thee  whilst  thou  art  near. 
Assist  me  to  learn  that  lesson  which  I  am  so  slow  to  learn, 
and  inspire  me  with  a  taste  for  the  pleasures  of  religion 
and  devotion.  Spiritualize  my  affections;  ennoble  my  pur- 
suits; quicken  my  desires  and  endeavours;  and  grant, that 
with  full  purpose  of  heart  I  may  cleave  unto  thee  the  Lord. 

Gracious  God,  though  I  have  sinned  against  light  and 
knowledge,  and  have  justly  deserved  to  forfeit  all  thy 
friendship,  yet  I  would  rejoice  that  with  thee  my  help  is 
found.  Thou  art  ready  to  receive  the  penitent,  and  art 
waiting  to  be  gracious  to  them.  Thou  hast  sent  thine  on- 
ly-begotten Son  to  seek  and  to  save  those  tliat  are  lost. 


ion  PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

Reconcile  me  to  thy  self,  and  forgive  and  accept  of  me,  ii»i* 
thy  mercy's  sake  in  him.  And  grant. that,  being  made. 
free  from  sin  and  hecome  a  servant  to  thee,  I  may 
peace  of  heart,  have  my  fruit  unto  holiness,  and  in  the  end 
receive  the  unspeakable  and  unmerited  gift  of  eternal  life, 
ihrough  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 


A  PRAYER  fir  a  person,  recovered  from  a  negligent 

mind  to  a  serious  vieiv  of  religion s  truth. 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  the  just  and 
equitahle  Ruler  of  the  children  of  men'  behold  in 
mercy  thy  frail  and  forgetful  child,  who  turns  unto  thee 
with  a  penitent  and  humble  heart.  Bleated  be  thy  name. 
that  I  am  brought  to  see,  how  careless  and  unprofitable  1 
am.  Blessed  be  thy  name,  that,  though  I  have  been  great- 
ly inconsiderate  and  negligent,  thy  Providence  and  grace 
have  prevented  me  from  falling  into  presumptuous  and  atro- 
cious transgressions.  But,  while  I  thank  thee,  my  heav- 
enly Father,  for  the  restraints  which  have  been  laid  upon 
me ;  I  confess  with  shame,  that  I  have  often  been  unmind- 
ful of  what  I  owe  to  thee  and  thy  beloved  Son,  and  that  I 
have  not  been  duly  influenced  by  the  principles  of  thy  sa- 
cred gospel.  I  have  not  been  diligent  in  advancing  the 
welfare  of  my  fellow-men,  have  often  lost  sight  of  the  con- 
cerns of  mv  own  soul  and  of  the  world  to  come,  have  been 
estranged  from  the  worship  and  the  love  of  thee,  have  not 
been  studious  to  govern  my  heart,  to  rise  above  grovelling 
views,  and  to  live  by  faith  in  him  who  loved  me  and  gave 
himself  for  me. — But  I  purpose  before  thee,  who  knowest 
my  heart  with  all  its  frailties,  no  longer  to  he  like  those 
who  are  without  God  in  the  world.  And  I  beseech  thee*, 
from  whom  wisdom  and  virtue  proceed,  to  forgive  the  lev- 
ity, the  vanity,  the  folly,  the  worldly  mind,  with  which  I 
hare  been  chargeable,  and  to  inspire  me.  w  ith  that  Chris- 
tian  temper  which  1  have  neglected  to  cultivate.  ()  give 
me  fervent  desires  and  abiding  resolution*  to  sen  earn) 
love  thee,  and  to  press  towards  the  mark  lor  the  prize  ot 
the  high  calling  in  Christ  .lesus.  Evcile  me  In  diligence 
in  leading,  meditation,  and  prayer.  Assist  me  to  delight 
/i)  the  ordinances  of  thy  house,  and  in  the  study  of  thy  holy 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  107 

word.  Arm  me  against  the  influence  of  vain  customs,  and 
of  careless  companions.  Lead  me  to  make  the  regulation 
of  my  own  mind  and  the  practice  of  a  pious  and  virtuous 
life,  my  chief  care  and  business.  Help  me  to  keep  the  in- 
structions and  the  model  of  my  blessed  Redeemer  habitu- 
ally before  my  eyes,  to  confess  his  name  without  fear  be- 
fore men,  to  follow  no  other  maxims  but  his,  to  labour  and 
cherish  concern  for  his  glorious  cause,  and  to  employ  my 
powers  and  possessions  in  the  service  of  society  according 
to  his  precepts.  I  would  no  longer  live,  with  my  wishes 
and  endeavours  all  centering  here  ;  but  as  a  candidate  for 
immortality,  as  a  being  who  expects  a  judgment  and  an 
eternal  state,  as  the  disciple  of  a  risen  Redeemer  who  will 
come  again  and  take  his  faithful  followers  to  his  own  heav- 
enly glory. 

Gracious  God,  be  pleased  to  pardon  my  sins,  to  accept 
this  act  of  self-devotion,  and  to  establish  my  holy  pur-* 
poses.  I  have  sworn,  that  1  will  keep  thy  righteous  stat- 
utes. Do  thou  give  mi:  strength  to  fulfil  my  vows,  to  grow 
in  grace;  and  let  nothing  ever  be  able  to  separate  me 
from  the  love  of  thee  in  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord.     Amen. 

26. 

A  PRAYER  far  a  sincere  penitent,  distressed  by  the  dif- 
ficulties •which  attend  Ids  Christian  improvemejit. 
FATHER  of  mercies,  whose  strength  upholds  the  weak ! 
I  come  to  thee  for  protection  and  assistance,  and  re- 
joice that  thou  hast  encouraged  me  to  seek  thy  face.  J 
have  experienced  that  thou  art  good,  and  praise  thee  for 
what  thou  hast  already  done  for  my  soul.  From  what 
threatening  dangers  has  thy  paternal  love  delivered  me  ! 
what  everlasting  gratitude  is  due  to  thee  for  opening  the 
eyes  of  my  mind,  and  aft'^cting  my  heart  with  a  sense  of  my 
duty  to  thee!  what  tribute  can  i  oft'er,  expressive  of  tout 
divine  goodness,  to  which  it  is  owing,  that  I  am  not  blind 
and  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins,  and  that  I  have  not  been 
cut  off  from  this  probationary  state,  unconcerned  about  the 
fate  which  awaits  me  ! 

O  God,  I  adore  thee  as  my  Father  and  my  Saviour,  and 
bless  thee  for  the  merciful  promises  which  thou  hast  given 
me  fhroirgh  thv  Son.     But  I  confess  and  lament,  before 
M  M  2 


108  PRAYERS  FOR  INHTVIDrALS. 

thee,  my  weakness  and  nnfrukfulness.  I  lament  the  sin?.. 
which  so  easily  l>eset  me.  I  lament  the  difficulties  in  dis- 
ehargingmy  obligations,  which  are  the  sad  effects  of  my 
former  carelessness  and  -wickedness.  I  lament  the  wan- 
derings of  my  mind,  the  coldness  of  my  affections,  the 
power  which  past  follies  and  transgressions  still  exercise 
too  frequently  over  my  imagination.  I  confess,  that  I  de- 
serve to  suffer,  and  that  thou  art  righteous  in  all  thy  ways 
and  doings.  But  I  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  to 
strengthen,  me  by  thy  Spirit  in  the  inner  man,  and  to  pre- 
serve me  from  fainting  under  the  tribulations  which  attend 
me.  O  bend  my  M  ill  more  perfectly  to  thine  ;  and  let  none 
of  those  things  which  once  subdued  me,  any  longer  prove 
a  snare.  Thou  knowest,  that  I  hunger  and  thirst  after 
righteousness:  give  success,  I  pray  thee,  to  my  endeavours, 
my  watchfulness,  my  supplications.  Cleanse  me  from  ev- 
ery pollution  both  of  the  mind  and  the  flesh  ;  and  cause 
me  to  know,  that  blessed  is  the  man  who  endureth  temp- 
tation. Save  me  from  presumption  and  from  despair  of  suc- 
cess. Teach  me  to  labour  with  diligence,  and  to  confide 
tn  thee.  And  grant  me  to  realize,  that  wisdom's  ways  are 
ways  of  pleasantness,  and  that  the  path  of  the  righteous  is 
like  the  morning  light,  which  shineth  brighter  and  bright- 
er unto  the  perfect  day. 

My  soul  looks  for  help  unto  thee,  who  art  able  to  dr 
exceeding  abundantly  above  all  that  I  ask  or  think.  And 
unto  thee  be  glory  by  Christ  Jesus,  world  without  end 
Amen. 


27. 

A  PRAYER  fir  an  upright  Christianjlutressed  i 

respecting  his  final  acceptance  and  salvation. 

OTHOU,  before  whose  eyes  all  things  are  naked  and 
open,  whotrirstthe  reins  of  the  children  of  men  !  1  fly 
10  thee  oppressed  with  sadness  and  fear.  Thou  hast  invi- 
ied  the  weary  and  heavy-laden  to  partake  of  mercy:  re- 
ceive me,  thy  sorrowful  suppliant,  and  revive1  my  fainting 
soul.  Thou  delightest  not  in  the  misery  of  thy  creatures  : 
heal  thou  the  Mounds  of  my  heart.  I  confess,  ()  mv  God, 
that  my  sins  have  deserved  more  grievous  punishments 
than  I  feel,  and  that  it  Mould  bv  impossible  for  me  to  abide 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  1Q9 

thy  strict  inquisition :  but  I  plead  the  wonderful  expressions 
of  thy  love  and  compassion  to  the  contrite  and  humble, 
which  are  contained  in  thy  word.  Hast  thou  not  declared, 
that  all  thy  thoughts  are  thoughts  of  peace,  and  not  of  evil  ? 
Hast  thou  not  assured  thy  people,  that,  altho'  a  mother 
should  forget  her  child,  yet  thou  wilt  not  forget  or  forsake 
thine  offspring  ?  Hast  thou  not  so  loved  the  world  as  to 
give  thine  only-begotten  Son  for  us,  and  wilt  thou  not  with 
him  freely  give  119  all  things  which  we  need  P 

O  Lord,  thou  knowest  my  frame  and  rememberest  that 
I  am  but  dust.  Thou  art  acquainted  with  my  frailties  and 
apprehensions.  Thou  seest,  that,  infirm  and  guilty  as  I 
am,  my  soul  thirsteth  for  thee  the  living  God,  as  the  Hart 
panteth  after  the  water  brooks.  Be  pleased  to  forgive  my 
sins,  to  pardon  my  despondency ;  and  help  me  to  serve 
thee  with  a  quiet  and  cheerful  heart.  Remove  my  disease, 
whether  of  body  or  of  mind,  if  this  seem  good  to  thine  in- 
finite wisdom:  and  forbid,  that  I  should  entertain  one 
thought  injurious  to  thee  and  dishonourable  to  the  clem- 
ency of  thy  character  as  revealed  in  thy  gospel.  Preserve 
me  from  delusion  ;  dispel  my  doubts  ;  confirm  my  faith  in 
thy  promises ;  clothe  me  with  the  garments  of  salvation. 
Above  all,  I  beseech  thee  to  give  me  grace  perfectly  to  do 
and  to  suffer  thy  will.  Help  me  to  bring  forth  more  of 
the  fruits  of  the  Spirit ;  that  I  may  have  the  evidence  in 
my  temper  and  lite,  that  I  am  led  by  thy  Spirit  and  am  au- 
thorized to  call  thee  Abba,  Father.  Whatever  conflicts  I 
may  now  have  to  sustain,  let  me  persevere  in  well-doing 

with  increasing  zeal  and  delight,  persuaded  that  thou  art 
mater  and  better  than  my  heart,  and  wilt  not  reject  any 
lhat  sincerely  seek  thy  face  through  him  whom  thou  hast 
appointed  the  Mediator  of  our  race.  "  Why  art  thou  cast 
"  down,  O  my  soul  ?  and  why  art  thou  disquieted  within 
;<  me  ?  hope  thou  in  God,  for  I  shall  yet  praise  him,  who 

'  is  the  health  of  my  countenance^  and  my  God.'*    Amen. 

28. 

A  PRAYER  for  a  Communicant  before  tlw  celebration 

of  the  Lord's  Supper. 
OUPRKMF.I.V  exalted  and  adorable  God,  unto  whom  all 
^  heartH  tftt  Open  !  I  desire  to  worship  thee  as  the  Fath- 
er of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  of  whom  the  whole  family  in 


HO  PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

heaven  and  earth  is  named.  I  adore  thine  unspeakable 
goodness  in  raising  up  tins  great  Deliverer  from  sin  and 
death,  tor  a  benighted,  guilty,  and  ruined  world.  I  praise 
thee  for  the  spiritual  and  heavenly  blessings,  which  thou 
hast  bestowed  upon  me  through  his  mediation,  crucifixion 
and  resurrection.  What  gracious  instructions  flowed  from 
his  tongue  !  What  spotless  purity  marked  his  life  !  What 
love  and  zeal  filled  his  heart !  With  what  patience  and 
kindness  did  he  seek  those  that  were  lost !  What  astonish- 
ing miracles  attested  his  mission  !  What  a  miracle  of 
benevolence  was  exhibited  in  hia  painful  and  bloody  death 
on  the  cross!  How  triumphantly  did  he  conquer  the  grave 
and  ascend  to  thy  throne  in  heaven  !  Gracious  God,  how 
complete  is  his  redemption,  how  amazing  thy  benignity, 
how  attracting  aDd  transporting  the  thought  of  my  Saviour's 
compassion  and  victory  !  What  could  have  been  done  for 
thy  rebellious  offspring,  that  has  not  been  doner  What 
light,  what  comfort,  what  encouragement,  what  hop'i  can 
I  need,  which  the  gospel  of  Christ  Jesus  does  not  abund- 
antly supply  ? 

O  thou  who  seest  in  secret !  I  confess  that  I  am  unwor- 
thy of  my  Christian  privileges,  and  that  I  have  not  adorn- 
ed my  profession  in  all  respects,  as  I  ought  to  have  done, 
by  an  holy  walk  and  conversation.  Who  can  tell,  how  oft 
he  often deth  !  My  heart  condemns  me  in  many  things  ; 
and  I  am  grieved,  when  I  consider,  in  how  small  a  degree 
I  possess  the  spirit  and  temper  of  my  Lord.  Help  thou 
me  to  examine  and  judge  myself,  that  I  may  not  be  con- 
demned by  thee.  Lead  me,  I  beseech  thee,  to  a  full  ac- 
quaintance with  the  state  of  my  soul,  and  prepare  me  for 
the  holy  exercises  to  which  I  am  called.  Save  me  from  all 
delusion,  pride,  and  self-deceit.  Forgive,  of  thine  infinite 
goodness,  every  offence  which  I  have  committed  ;  and  ac- 
cept the  renewal,  which  I  am  about  to  make  of  my  vows. 

Thou  invitest  me  to  the  memorial  of  my  Saviour's  dying 
love;  and  blessed  be  thy  name  for  this  means  of  enkind- 
ling and  increasing  my  affection  and  gratitude  to  him. 
Take  me  into  thy  holy  keeping,  and  grant  that  1  may  ex- 
perience no  distraction  of  mind.  Let  me  not  be  an  unfur- 
nished guest,  to  whom  it  may  lie  justly  said,  "  how  earnest 
u  thou  in  hither,  not  having  on  a  wedding  garment  j5"  Let 
me  approach  the  ordinance,  with  penitence,  thankfulness, 
and  faith,  with  love  and  charity  to  all  mankind.    Rating 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  Ill 

the  bread  and  drinking  the  cup,  which  Jesus  instituted,  let 
me  embrace  and  hold  fast  the  covenant  of  mercy,  and  find 
redemption  through  his  blood.  Direct  me  to  profitable 
meditations  upon  what  he  said,  did,  and  suffered;  and  let 
the  remembrance  of  his  love,  his  sacrifice,  and  his  glory, 
comfort,  support,  and  strengthen  me,  in  life  and  death. 
Heavenly  Father!  be  thou  with  thy  servant  who  minis- 
be  me  in  the  sanctuary,  with  my  fellow-communicants, 
with  all  my  Christian  brethren,  and  with  every  human  be- 
ing. Dispose  nil,  who  encircle  thine  altar,  to  feel  and  to 
act  as  friends,  partakers  of  the  same  grace,  and  heirs  of 
one  blissful  inheritance  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord 
and  Saviour.     Amen. 


A  PRAYER  for  a  Communicant :,  after  the  celebration  of 
the  Lord's  Supper. 

"pATHER  of  mercies,  and  God  of  love !  thou  hast  caus- 
*-  ed  thy  goodness  to  pass  before  me  this  day.  Follow 
with  thy  blessing  what  I  have  been  permitted  and  enabled 
to  perform,  in  obedience  to  the  injunction  of  thy  Son,  my 
Lord.  If  thy  pure  eyes  have  seen  any  thing  culpable  in 
my  religious  services,  I  beseech  thee  to  pardon  me.  Let 
not  the  pious  reflections  which  have  occupied  my  attention, 
or  the  purposes  which  I  have  formed,  in  the  company  of 
my  fellow-worshippers,  and  in  showing  forth  the  death  of 
Jesus,  ever  be  strange  to  my  heart. 

I  have  avowed  thee,  the  Lord,  to  be  my  God,  engaging 
to  keep  thy  commandments  and  to  hearken  to  thy  voice. 
I  have  confessed  thy  Son  before  men,  publicly  receiving 
his  testimony,  solemnly  acknowledging  him  to  be  my  di- 
vine Master  and  Guide,  my  Saviour  and  Forerunner  in  the 
path  of  holiness  and  glory.—  O  forbid,  that  I  should  ever 
make  shipwreck  of  faith,  by  not  holding  fast  a  good  con- 
science. Preserve  me  from  the  smallest  degree  of  that 
spirit,  which  works  in  the  children  of  disobedience.  Pre- 
serve me  from  proving  faithless  to  my  vows,  and  from 
bringing  reproach  on  the  Christian  name.  Help  me  to 
follow  the  Lamb,  whithersoever  he  goeth;  to  abide  in 
him,  the  true  vine  ;  and  to  stand  fast  in  the  liberty  where- 
vrjQi  he  hath  made  his  disciples  free.    Enable  "me  at  all 


i%%  PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

times  to  remember  his  new  command,  that  we  should  love 
one  another,  even  as  he  has  loved  us.  Save  me  from  the 
shocking  inconsistencies  and  the  dreadful  late  of  those,  who 
call  him  Lord,  Lord,  but  unto  whom  he  will  say,a  depart 
"  from  me  ye  that  work  iniquity. "  Raise  my  affection! 
from  earth  to  heaven  ;  and  assist  me  to  be  steadfast  and 
immoveable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord. 

Merciful  Father,  I  have  found  that  it  is  good  for  me  to 
draw  nigh  unto  the  table  of  my  crucified  and  exalted  Re- 
deemer. Make  me  habitually  attentive  to  this  cheering 
institution.  While  I  thereby  learn  to  value  the  Saviour 
and  his  gospel  more,  let  me  rejoice  in  the  persuasion,  that 
there  is  no  condemnation  to  them  which  are  in  Christ  Je- 
sus, and  that  through  him  we  have  mercy  and  the  forgive- 
ness of  sin.  May  I  be  privileged  to  come  with  boldness 
to  thy  throne,  in  his  name,  and  his  peace  keep  my  heart 
in  every  changing  scene.  May  I  regard  it  as  my  highest 
honour,  to  be  his  disciple  and  an  instrument  for  advan- 
cing his  kingdom  among  men.  May  I  triumph  in  this,  that 
my  Lord,  who  was  once  dead,  lives  and  reigns  forever,  and 
that  where  he  is  his  faithful  followers  shall  also  be.  When 
he  comes  to  judge  the  world,  may  he  not  be  ashamed  of 
ine,  but  receive  me  into  his  own  mansions  of  love  and  joy. 

Once  more,  O  thou  Parent  of  all  !  I  implore  thy  bless- 
ing upon  thy  church  universal,  and  upon  the  whole  human 
family.  Comfort  every  sorrowful  soul.  Bring  into  the 
way  of  truth  all  such,  as  have  erred  and  gone  astray.  Con- 
vert  all  such,  as  are  in  the  gall  of  bitterness  and  the  bonds 
of  iniquity.  Lead  all  Christians  to  be  careful  to  maintain 
good  works.  Let  thy  grace  he  multiplied  upon  the  re- 
hgious  Society  of  which  I  am  a  member,  and  upon  the  Pas- 
tor of  the  flock.  Let  all,  with  whom  I  am  connected,  and 
who  are  dear  to  me,  be  enrolled  in  the  book  of  life  ;  and 
let  them  and  me  he  brought  to  sing  the  praises  of  God  and 
of  the  Lamb  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen. 


80. 

A  GENERAL  FRAYER.,Tvhic/i  may  be  used  at  any  timr. 

OGOD,  the  Maker  and  Governor  of  the  world  !  1,  thine 
unworthy  servant,  would  appear  before  thee,   under 
the  deepest    sense  of  thy  perfections  and  of  my  total  dc- 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  113 

pendanee  upon  thy  providence  and  grace.  I  rejoice  that  I 
am  privileged  to  worship  thee,  whose  glories  are  far  exalt- 
ed above  all  that  I  can  conceive,  and  before  whom  the 
hosts  of  heaven  bow  down  with  the  profonndest  reverence. 
I  ad6re  thee  as  possessed  of  all-comprehending  knowl- 
edge, unerring  wisdom,  unlimited  power,  impartial  justice, 
unbounded  goodness,  unspotted  purity,  unchangeable 
truth  and  faithfulness.  I  acknowledge  thee  to  be  the  giver 
of  all  good  gifts,  and  the  disposer  of  all  events.  I  confess, 
that  thy  favour  alone  is  life,  and  that  1  cannot  be  happy 
without  thy  love.  1  am  sensible,  that  thou  art  the  tender- 
est  Father  and  best  Friend  of  thy  creatures,  prescribing 
only  such  laws  to  them  as  arc  highly  salutary,  ever  dis- 
posed to  lead  them  to  their  true  felicity,  ready  to  promote 
and  assist  their  sincere  endeavours  to  obtain  it,  and  con- 
stantly exercising  thy  perfections  for  this  purpose.  Pre- 
cious is  the  thought  of  thee  to  all  who  are  acquainted  with 
thy  character  and  who  study  to  accomplish  thy  gracious  de- 
signs. Worthy  art  thou  of  the  homage,  affection,  and  obe- 
dience of  all  intelligent  beings  in  heaven  and  on  earth. 

I  praise  thee,  O  Lord,  that,  amidst  the  multitude  of  thy 
creatures  and  subjects,  I  am  not  forgotten  and  overlooked  ; 
hut  that  thou  knowest,  and  lovest,  and  providest  for  me, 
as  thy  child,  with  paternal  care.  I  praise  thee,  that  thou 
hast  preserved  me  from  many  calamities  and  sufferings.  I 
thank  thee  for  all  the  powers  of  my  nature,  for  the  satis- 
factions and  comforts  of  society,  for  the  kindness  of  ray  re- 
lations and  friends,  for  every  domestic  enjoyment,  for  the 
measure  of  health  and  prosperity  with  which  I  am  favour- 
ed, and  for  all  those  outward  conveniences  and  advantages 
which  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  give  me.  I  thank  thee, 
that  thou  hast  formed  me  after  thine  own  image,  made  me 
free  and  intelligent,  and  destined  me  for  an  immortal  ex- 
istence. I  bless  thee  for  all  the  assistances  which  I  have 
received  for  the  cultivation  of  my  mind,  and  for  all  the 
means  of  education  and  religion.  Above  all,  I  desire  to 
bless  thee  for  the  mission  and  gospel  of  Christ  Jesus,  thy 
well-beloved  and  only-begotten  Son.  I  bless  thee  for  the 
satisfactory  evidences  he  gave,  that  he  was  truly  sent  by 
thee  for  the  salvation  of  the  world.  I  bless  thee  for  his 
divine  instructions,  for  his  perfect  example,  and  for  all  his 
labours  and  sufferings.    I  bless  thee  for  his  humbling  him- 


114  PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

self  even  to  the  death  of  the  cross,  and  shedding  his  blood 
for  the  remission  of  our  sins  ;  for  his  resurrection  from  the 
grave,  and  for  his  entrance  into  heaven  as  our  Captain  and 
Forerunner.  I  bless  thee  for  the  effusion  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  upon  his  Apostles,  for  the  propagation  of  his  doc- 
trines, and  for  the  preservation  of  his  church.  How  rich 
is  the  grace,  "which  I  have  received  through  his  mediation  ! 
How  wonderfully  hast  thou  provided  for  my  improvement, 
my  comfort,  aud  my  everlasting  welfare  !  What  can  1  ren- 
der unto  thee,  in  return  for  that  mercy,  to  which  alone  it 
is  to  be  ascribed,  that  I  am  not  wandering  in  a  land  of  dark- 
ness, superstition  and  idolatry,  that  I  am  not  the  victim  of 
fear  and  despair )  What  gratitude  do  1  owe  to  thy  dear  Son, 
who  submitted  to  the  most  cruel  death,  that  I  might  rejoice 
in  the  hope  of  thy  compassion  and  in  the  assurance  of  eter- 
nal life  and  glory  !  Never,  O  God,  can  I  repay,  never  can 
I  fully  express  or  worthily  praise  thee  for  all  that  thou 
hast  done  for  my  soul,  for  all  the  benefits  which  thou  art 
continuing  to  bestow  upon  me  from  day  to  day. 

Encouraged,  merciful  Father,  by  the  invaluable  prom- 
ises of  my  Lord  and  Saviour,  I  draw  near  unto  thy  throne, 
to  entreat  of  thee  the  pardon  of  whatsoever  thou  hast  seen 
amiss  in  me.  I  confess  to  thee,  that  my  sins  and  infirmi- 
ties are  many  and  great,  and  that  I  could  not  expect  any 
portion  of  thy  favour,  if  thou  shouldest be  extreme  to  mark 
and  to  punish  what  is  wrong.  But  it  is  the  consolation 
and  support  of  my  mind,  that  thou  hast  sent  .lesus  Christ 
to  save  us  from  our  sins,  and  that  thou  art  pleased  to  ac- 
cent the  upright  endeavours  ofthe  humble  and  penitent  to 
reform  whatever  has  been  criminal  in  their  hearts  and  con- 
duct. Forgive,  I  beseech  tiiee,  every  wilful  thought,  dis- 
position, word,  and  deed,  which  has  been  displeasing  in 
thy  sight;  and  vouchsafe  to  justify  me  upon  those  terms, 
which  thy  holiness  and  mercy  have  laid  down  in  tJie  gos- 
pel. 1  do  willingly  and  entirely  forgive  all,  who  may  have 
injured  or  often ded  me.  If  1  have  done  wrong  to  any,  I 
am  ready  to  make  all  possible  reparation.  1  seriously  re- 
nounce all  communication  with  whatsoever  thou  hast  for- 
bidden, and  devote  myself  to  thy  service  and  the  perform- 
ance of  thy  will,  I  am  persuaded,  that  these  are  mdispen- 
sible  qualifications  for  thy  favour;  anu  earnestly  beseech 

thee  to  give  success  to  my  purposes,  by  the  inllucnccs  0*. 

thy  "Spirit,  onft  the  dispensations  of  thy  providence. 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  115 

May  I  never  go  astray  from  the  truth  as  it  is  m  Jesus, 
but  seek  for  it  with  an  impartial  and  unprejudiced  mind, 
be  delivered  from  those  passions  which  hinder  its  discov- 
ery, and  obey  it  from  the  heart.  May  I  be  animated  by 
that  faith,  -which  overcomes  the  world,  which  purines  the 
soul,  and  which  works  by  love.  May  I  be  filled  with  that 
hope  which  will  not  suffer  me  to  be  ashamed,  but  will  cause 
me  to  run  with  patience  the  race  set  before  me.  May  I 
be  possessed  of  that  charity,  w  hich  is  the  end  of  every  com- 
mandment, and  without  which  whosoever  liveth  is  counted 
dead  before  thee.  May  I  cherish  a  constant  regard  to  thee 
as  my  Ruler  and  Judge,  worship  thee  with  a  thankful  and 
resigned  temper,  praise  thee  with  gladness,  and  rejoice 
in  thy  protection.  May  I  be  concerned  to  resemble  my 
honoured  Master  in  every  divine  and  amiable  disposition, 
and  imbibe  his  zeal,  his  devotion,  his  fortitude,  his  humil- 
ity, his  compassion,  and  benevolence.  May  I  delight,  like 
him,  in  doing  good;  and  press  forward  with  unremitting 
ardour  towards  the  mark  of  the  prize  of  my  high  calling. 
My  outward  condition,  O  Lord,  it  is  my  happiness  and 
duty  to  refer  wholly  to  thy  wisdom.  With  submission  to 
thy  will,  1  implore  from  thee  those  tilings  which  are  neces- 
sary to  the  security  and  comfort  of  life  ;  and  prny,  that  I 
may  be  preserved  from  great  calamities  and  afflictions,  if 
ibis  be  consistent  with  thy  gracious  purposes.  Lead  me 
in  that  path,  which  thou  seest  to  be  best  for  me.  Help  rae 
to  become  perfectly  contented,  to  repose  unlimited  confi- 
dence in  thy  government,  and  to  improve  health  and  sick- 
ness, joy  and  sorrow,  to  thy  glory.  May  1  so  pass  through 
things  temporal,  as  not  to  forget  the  things  which  are  eter- 
nal. May  I  so  use  the  world,  as  not  to  abuse  it.  Moder- 
ate in  my  desires  for  its  good  things,  temperate  in  every 
lawful  gratification,  and  patient  under  every  disappoint- 
ment, trial,  or  suffering,  may  I  constantly  aspire  to  a  high- 
er bliss  than  any  which  can  here  be  obtained,  lay  a  good 
foundation  against  the  time  to  come,  and  daily  look  for- 
ward to  the  glory  which  is  about  to  be  revealed  to  thy 
faithful  servants.  May  I  behold  the  approach  of  death 
with  peace  and  satisfaction  ;  and,  when  my  course  is  finish- 
ed, be  removed  from  this  mixed  state  of  discipline  to  the 
land  of  unfading  happiness  and  perfect  love. 
I  praise  thee,  O  God,  that  thou  art  the  merciful  Parent 
N  N 


116  PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

of  all  men  ;  and  I  beseech  thee  to  have  compassion  upon 
and  to  save  every  individual  of  the  human  family.  Be 
pleased  to  bless  my  friends,  to  reward  my  benefactors, 
and  to  take  into  thy  holy  keeping  the  family  with  which  I 
am  connected.  Visit  with  thy  light  and  comfort  all  who 
are  afflicted  with  sickness  and  pain.  Console  and  cheer 
all  who  are  distressed  in  mind.  Provide  for  the  relict  of 
those,  who  are  suffering  want.  Pity  the  widow  and  or- 
phan ;  gladden  the  hearts  of  such  as  mourn  the  loss  of 
those  they  loved ;  hear  the  cries  of  the  persecuted  and  op- 
pressed ;  be  nigh  unto  all,  who  are  in  circum stances  of  per- 
il. Turn  the  ungodly  to  the  love  and  fear  of  thy  name; 
support  ?tnd  strengthen  every  upright  soul ;  give  rest  and 
joy  to  every  weary  and  heavy-laden  sinner.  Spread  the 
gospel  of  Christ  Jesus  throughout  the  earth  ;  put  an  end 
to  all  wrar,  strife,  tyranny,  and  injustice  ;  and  let  every  na- 
tion become  virtuous,  enlightened,  and  happy.  Direct  our 
rulers  ;  preserve  our  liberties  ;  prosper  our  citizens?  assist 
us  to  become  a  righteous  people,  whom  thou  wilt  bless  and 
protect ;  and  let  all  our  institutions  for  the  education  of 
youth,  and  for  the  maintenance  and  diffusion  of  pure  re- 
ligion, be  crowned  with  success. 

Accept,  O  God,  I  beseech  thee,  these  sentiments  and 
desires  of  my  heart,  which  I  offer  up  in  the  name  of  my 
L«ord  Jesus  Christ ;  through  whom  I  trust  for  the  accept- 
ance of  my  person,  and  all  my  sincere,  but  imperfect 
services.  And  unto  thee  be  endless  praise  and  glory, 
Amen. 


F  I JV  /  S. 


•\  ' 


